Kelli Appezzato

When Kelli’s husband was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 2016, she searched for a patient support group but couldn’t find one anywhere in Ireland. Her advocacy work began almost immediately when she campaigned publicly with other patients to force the Minister for Health to appoint a permanent sarcoma specialist to manage the care of Irish patients. That small protest group developed over time into the charity that is now known as Sarcoma Cancer Ireland.

Along with her Board role, Kelli chairs the Advocacy & Education Committee. This committee is focussed on improving sarcoma awareness amongst the general public and medical community, as well as advocating for patients on matters of interest nationally and globally. Mother of 4 and grandmother of 2, Kelli lives in rural Kilkenny.