Toolkit
What is it?
Who is involved?
How You Can Help
Social Media Assets
What's Going On?
Past Awareness Weeks
What is it?
The Adrenaline Circuit
August 24–28, 2026
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) can affect far more than one organ or one moment in a person’s life. From the search for a diagnosis to surgery and treatment, genetics, research, lifelong surveillance, and the uncertainty of what comes next, living with pheo or para can feel like navigating a complicated circuit.
This Awareness Week, we’re connecting the pieces. Our theme for this year is the Adrenaline Circuit.
The Adrenaline Circuit brings together patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world for five days of education, conversation, and connection.
Throughout the week, we’ll explore some of the questions our community faces every day:
- What should I know before PPGL surgery?
- Could a clinical trial or research study be an option for me?
- What happens when a genetic result changes?
- What does life look like after treatment when surveillance continues?
- How can I take a more active role in navigating my care?
You’ll hear from PPGL experts, researchers, patients, and caregivers through webinars, panel discussions, lived experiences, and conversations designed to make complex information easier to understand and use.
Because awareness isn’t only about knowing that pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma exist.
It’s about helping people recognize them. Helping patients find knowledgeable care. Making research easier to understand and access. Giving patients and families the information they need to ask questions and make informed decisions. And connecting a rare, geographically scattered community so no one has to navigate PPGL alone.
Find Your Place in the Circuit
Whether you are newly diagnosed, years into surveillance, caring for someone with PPGL, treating patients, conducting research, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to join us August 24–28.
Who is involved?
Because we are stronger united, all pheo para friends are invited to participate. Patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, industry, and medical societies all contribute to the success of the campaign!
Committee members
The following dedicated and passionate committee members are involved in planning the 7th Annual Awareness Week:
Chad Riding (committee chair), Sumi Bose, Leslie Coffin, Denise Samocki, Lisa Anderson, & Lacey Koelling
How You Can Help
Share on Social Media – One of the most important ways you can participate in Awareness Week is by sharing your story or our images and assets on your social media. Click on the Social Media Assets link to find and share images.
Post a video or written copy and image of your story or a moment during your journey to your social media which you found significant or impactful in 100 words or less and reference one of the hashtag themes below if it calls to you.
When sharing on social, don’t forget to:
• tag us @pheopara
• use hashtags #pheochromocytoma #paraganglioma #cancer #phearless #adrenal #headandneck #genetics #nets #raredisease #pheopara #ppgl #ppl #endocrine #endocrinology #raretumors
• ask your friends and family to share on their social!
Social Media Assets
What's Going On?
Scheduled events:
Monday, August 24th – 5pm PST / 8pm ET
“Adrenaline Circuit” Awareness Week Video Launch – Join us for a brief, virtual gathering to launch this year’s Awareness Week with the premiere of our official Awareness Week video, introducing this year’s theme — “The Adrenaline Circuit” — and previewing the week’s full lineup of events.
Tuesday, August 25th – 5pm PST / 8pm ET
From Diagnosis to Operating Room: What Patients Should Know About PPGL Surgery – Presented in partnership with the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES), this session walks patients through what to expect before, during, and after PPGL surgery.
Wednesday, August 26th – 9am PST / 12pm ET
Be Part of the Breakthrough: PPGL Research, Trials & Studies – Hosted by the Pheo Para Alliance and sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, this session brings together leading researchers and clinicians to explore clinical trials, observational studies, and how patients and families can get involved in advancing PPGL research.
Thursday, August 27th – 9:30am PST / 12:30pm ET
“It’s Not You, It’s the Variant: When Genetic Results Get Reclassified” – Hosted by the Pheo Para Alliance in partnership with UT Southwestern’s Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Clinical Center of Excellence, Dr. Samantha Greenberg and her colleague Alexa Badalamenti will explain why genetic classifications evolve, what reclassification means for patients and families, and how healthcare teams can support clear communication and appropriate follow-up
Thursday, August 27th – 5pm PST / 8pm ET
“Rewiring the Circuit: Life with Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma” – A panel discussion exploring life after PPGL diagnosis and different treatment pathways — physical recovery, mental health, identity, relationships, and hope, moderated by Awareness Week Committee member Sumi Bose.
Friday, August 28th – 5pm PST / 8pm ET
Finding Your Place Behind the Wheel – Our closing session for Awareness Week, reflecting on this year’s themes and looking ahead. Friday, August 28th. We are honored to have Miranda (aka pheovsfabulous) lead this webinar!
Past Awareness Weeks
View videos from past Awareness Weeks below!
Click here to access the Google Folder to use the tools listed below!
What is Pheo? Video
What is Para? Video