Greetings of gratitude from our president

11/18/2021, Lynn M. Durham, Ed.D.

I have heard some say that even though each day seems to go by slowly, 2021 has flown by – and I agree. I came to Georgia CORE in January knowing that I had a lot to learn about the organization, its board and staff, and its impact on our state. I am continuing to learn more and more each day, and I love it! Sometimes the days are incredibly full and long, but I am shocked that it is November already. It may be cliché this time of year, but I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and share some updates and future directions.

First, thanks to the Georgia CORE Board of Directors for their support of our staff and ideas. Transitioning to new leadership takes trust and time, and I could not ask for a group of professionals who are more open to advancement and dedicated to this organization’s success. I proposed at our November board meeting to enhance and re-engage our committees and to create a newly-named committee focused on Survivorship, Navigation, and Caregiving. They unanimously supported this new direction that will allow us to have deeper and broader discussions and generate new ideas, goals, and priorities. We will be adding community members to several committees so don’t be surprised if some of you get a phone call from me asking you to serve alongside us!

I also want to once again thank three women who retired last year but who have been incredibly generous with their insights, advice and support. Nancy Paris, Angie Patterson, and Alice Kerber have been there when we needed them but graciously stepped away when we got our feet under us. Nancy led and built this organization for 18 years and I am forever grateful for her leadership and the gifts she gave to the entire state through Georgia CORE.

When your work is also your passion, it is an incredible joy to see developments in your mission and in your staff and consultants. I am grateful to the team who work every day to advance cancer care through partnerships and innovation. We have long-time collaborators and new staff members, and I am equally grateful for all. We are building our team based on our values of Integrity, Stewardship, Inclusivity, Curiosity, and Excellence. Their energy, creativity, and compassion are absolutely infectious.

Also, I am so grateful to our financial supporters who are vital to who we are and what we do. I especially want to recognize the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncologists (GASCO), Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, Aflac, Atlanta Cancer Care, and all the companies and individuals that felt called to give. And this year, a special thanks to those who gave in honor of Phillip Street after his untimely passing. Georgia CORE is a nonprofit organization that is sustained through financial donations by people, foundations, and corporations that share our passion. I hope you will consider giving to this organization on Georgia Gives Day (November 30) or in your year-end charitable contributions so we can continue to increase our impact.

We have many plans for 2022 including growing our research network participation and the Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia; raising awareness of screening for the state’s top five cancers through programming paid for by sales of the new (all) cancer specialty license plate; urging collaboration in research from academic and clinical researchers through research grants and by bringing together the state’s former Distinguished Cancer Scholars; and constantly advocating for state resources to promote prevention and early detection in Georgia.

We thank each of you for your interest and support. We are able to increase research, decrease cancer mortalities, and educate Georgians in every corner of our state because of you.

Have a meaningful Thanksgiving!