Hello Friends and Warriors, 

February is upon us, and (while it might be shocking to fathom) we stand at the doorstep of spring. As we move out of the darker time of the year, I often feel as if I’m holding my breath waiting for something wonderful. I ended 2023 with a message thanking you for your heart, and now I walk into the season of love with you on my mind again. The things that move me are gentle things – a smile, a light touch, the lilt of an Irish lullaby, people working together in harmony. I have an especially soft spot for those who bond together in their efforts against a common foe…cancer. So many valiant people just like you.

It would be remiss of me to go any further without also recognizing the fact that February is Black History Month, and Western States is dedicated to bringing clinical research trials to marginalized and rural communities. Dissemination of medical care to underserved communities has been historically weak at best, nonexistent at worst. Additionally, the lack of resources means that there is a lot of misinformation, which directly impacts mortality. The largest part of our mission here is to make sure ALL communities have access to the same standard of care. Like dragons, cancer does not discriminate, but with access to clinical trials patients and their families have a fighting chance. And a future without cancer becomes a tangible possibility.

So, this Valentine’s Day, in lieu of flowers, chocolates, or jewelry, consider making someone a hero. A gift to Western States in your loved one’s name or the name of someone lost to this monster disease is a gift directly from your heart to theirs. It’s a gift that changes the future. And that, my friends, makes you a hero too. It takes a village to tame a dragon, and we’re so glad you are part of ours.

In love and gratitude.

Slainte,