A Note of Thanks
Today’s post was written by Bert E. Thomas IV, PhD, MBA, CEO of the Sarcoma Foundation of America.
In honor of Thanksgiving, I would like to take a moment to share my heartfelt thoughts of gratitude. I know that I speak for all of the staff at the Sarcoma Foundation of America with this list of thanks. Our work to find the cure in our time is inspired by the sarcoma community and is accomplished thanks to the help we receive from those who share the same goal of improving the lives of those touched by sarcoma.
Thank you to…
The researchers, who work tirelessly each day to unlock the mysteries of sarcoma. The discoveries that these scientists make directly contribute to the new therapies that are developed and will one day lead to the cure. The SFA is honored to help fund researchers and make this work possible.
Our Medical Advisory Board (MAB), who helps guide the SFA’s research program. Our MAB is comprised of the leading sarcoma experts in the nation. These doctors and scientists personally review SFA research grant applications, helping us to determine the course of our research funding by identifying the proposals with the highest scientific merit. Their work advising the SFA cannot be measured and is greatly appreciated.
Our Board of Directors, who take on the responsibility of guiding the leading sarcoma patient advocacy organization in the United States. Their insight, born out of their personal experiences with sarcoma, helps to set the tone for the important work done by the SFA.
The sarcoma centers and hospitals that provide much needed care to patients and families who need a sarcoma expert on their side. We have been honored to work closely with some these doctors and researchers through our research grant program and many special events. We extend a special thank you to the facilities involved with our Race to Cure Sarcoma run/walk series and our Patient Education Conferences: University of Colorado Cancer Center; UPMC Cancer Center; Duke Cancer Center; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; Memorial Sloan Kettering; Huntsman Cancer Institute; Siteman Cancer Center; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
The volunteers, who are the heart and soul behind our community and special events. Without the time and effort generously shared by our volunteers, we would not be able to host the many events that have raised a significant amount of money for sarcoma research.
The donors and supporters, whose generous gifts allow us to continue to our work to find the cure. Each and every gift of support shared with the SFA helps us in our mission to advocate for sarcoma patients by funding research and by increasing awareness about the disease. Their generosity makes our work possible.
The patients, who share their stories with us and allow us to work on their behalf. We are inspired daily by the patients who have had their lives turned up-side-down by sarcoma, yet carry on with an immense amount of determination and strength. The SFA strives to make a difference for these patients. We vow to continue to fight in their honor.
The caregivers, who devote so much energy to the loved ones who are facing life with sarcoma. In the midst of all that is going on in their lives to help provide comfort and care, these caregivers are often out on the front lines advocating for more research. Their voice is powerful and we thank them for joining with us to fight for more resources and new therapies.
The families who have lost a loved one, who continually remind us why we must be vigilant in our quest to find the cure. So many of these families devote their lives to ensuring that others don’t have to say goodbye to their loved ones in the same way. We thank them for sharing their experiences with us and for continuing to encourage us to carry on with our work to find the cure.
The survivors, who show us how it is still possible to have hope. There is simply no way to quantify the inspiration that we get from hearing the stories of those who have beaten sarcoma. We thank them for sharing their experiences and providing patients and families with the hope of a future free from sarcoma.
From all of us at the Sarcoma Foundation of America, thank you to everyone who helps us in our efforts.
Happy Thanksgiving.