Dear IGCS Members and Friends,
This year has been like no other in our lifetime. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by the coronavirus and I would like to express my gratitude to those of you who are frontline workers and caregivers who have selflessly provided care to the most vulnerable in impossible circumstances. You give your strength to so many. I would also like to recognize and applaud the scientists and researchers within our community who dedicate their careers to scientific innovation and the development of life-saving technologies and therapies. Your work is so important.
I think this year it has been more apparent than ever that we are all connected regardless of our beliefs, culture, or geography. I am heartened by what I have seen this year - the global collaboration, support, and communication that has continued despite our inability to gather in the same rooms. The challenges of this year jumpstarted our virtual programs which allowed us to reach thousands of healthcare professionals, advocates, patient-survivors, and collaborate with organizational partners from all over the world. Many of you are new to the IGCS community – I am so glad you are here.
Thank you for participating in our virtual events whether it be our Surgical Film Festivals, Virtual Tumor Boards, Global Patient Perspectives Roundtables, and of course the 2020 Annual Global Meeting and the Survivor-Caregiver Public Summit. Through it all, I have seen how you have been supportive of one another. What a comfort it has been to know that we were never alone; that others were facing similar challenges and that we could find solutions to shared problems together. Thank you for your dedication, collaboration, and courage.
As 2020 comes to an end and knowing that this holiday season may not be as festive as previous years, I wish you moments of peace amid difficult situations, connections with family and friends even if you cannot touch, and the comfort of warm memories of holidays past. We are seeing glimmers of promise that the pandemic will wane, so let’s welcome 2021 with hope.
Thank you for being a part of our community. I wish you all a safe and joyful holiday season and may the New Year bring you good health and happiness.
Sincerely,
Mary C. Eiken, MS
IGCS CEO
