June 2021

How did it get to be June so quickly?  We have had a very busy spring at WSCR-NCORP – I think that’s how March, April and May ended up in the rear-view mirror before we knew it.

On May 7^th we held our first in-person event in over a year and half. Ribbons and Roses hosted more than 70 guests, in a safe, socially-distance setting, where we gathered to recognize the dedicated staff, board of trustees and physician partners of WSCR-NCORP who bring hope to cancer patients across the West.  The event raised more than $12,000, we toasted our Berris Awards winners Dr. David Trevarthen, Jerry Hayes and Debbie Markham, and enjoyed each other’s company face-to-face.

Engaging in face-to-face conversations is happening more and more as we move toward the summer months, and some of us are recognizing just what a luxury it is to be in the physical presence of others.  Building trust and creating lasting partnerships happens so much more naturally when we sit across the table from one another.  Herodotis, the ancient Greek philosopher, said, “Men [sic] trust their ears less than their eyes.” 

Over the past several weeks, we have been mindfully building and rebuilding relationships with other nonprofit organizations and with members of legislative offices in an effort to become more of a viable community partner. It has been wonderful to sit together over lunch or coffee and share what is happening within our NCORP and learn how we can work with other organizations to get the word out about cancer clinical trials and the work we do while also supporting their efforts. 

We have met with colleagues from the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, the Colorado Rural Health Center, the Colorado Cancer Coalition, Epic Experience, the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance, We Work for Health Colorado, Sue’s Gift, and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.  We also met with members of the offices of Representatives Diana DeGette and Jason Crow.  Some of those meetings were virtual and others were in person.  We look forward to furthering our conversations with all our community partners in person as the year moves along.  Working together, we can do so much more and share our resources, time, and talent.

Life will never be the same after all the events of last year, but some things do not change, like the need for human interaction and the joy of true connection.  If we are to continue the good fight against cancer, let’s do it together, side-by-side.

To Your Good Health,