Dear colleagues, friends, and gynecologic oncology community,
Inspired by the books One Thousand Gifts and Stress-Free Living, we challenged ourselves to find one of life’s gifts every day, to practice the art of thankfulness, and to create gratitude habits.
Perhaps a gift would be appear through a beautiful sunset or a moment of solitude. The options were – and are – limitless.
In the process, something priceless was rendered – a greater appreciation for the positive, a renewed commitment to fostering gratitude in our communities, and an optimistic focus on our mental and physical well-being.
As we approach Thanksgiving, gratitude – the quality of being thankful – is center-stage and celebrated. A special holiday to share quality time with family and friends, live fully in the moment, be thankful for all the blessings in our lives, and practice acts of kindness1. In many homes, Thanksgiving is also a great TEAM – “Together Everyone Achieves More” – effort as everyone unites in the festivities and meal preparation. In all the chaos, the love for each other and the spirit of service to create a shared meal and time together shines through.
While some may balance similar dynamics of a large family during this holiday, others may find themselves alone, missing a loved one, or in the hospital to manage the on-going challenge of cancer that is ever-present for our patients and their families.
However you spend this holiday, we send today’s message with great gratitude for each of you, and for the home and the family that we have together as the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC).
Across the SGO/FWC, we all share so much together over our careers. As friends and colleagues, we weather the challenges in our lives, and we celebrate each other’s successes. Together, we seek the hope and inspiration that our incredible future holds – something to be grateful for, indeed.
As the SGO/FWC, we are grateful for the many incredibly talented teams, united with the shared purpose to provide exceptional service to our members, providers, researchers, trainees, patients, advocates, partners, and the broader gynecologic cancer community. We are incredibly grateful for all talented SGO members whose enthusiasm for our patients drive forward excellence in patient care and the promise that research provides; for our donors and partners for their commitment and philanthropy that supports our work; for the unwavering dedication from our professional staff who operationalize our strategic vision and ensure mission success; and for our volunteer leaders for their steadfast devotion, relentless work ethic, and integrity.
As SGO members, we are a unique breed, welded together as a family and community with the inspiring purpose to make the world a better place for all patients and their support networks.
With gratitude, we wish you all a beautiful and vibrant Thanksgiving filled with warmth and kindness, and encourage all to practice gratitude the whole year round.
Thank you for all you do!
Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD, MHSc
SGO President
Ginger J. Gardner, MD
FWC Chair
1Inspired by the mantra of Wendy Brewster, MD, PhD, “Perform an act of kindness that makes a difference in someone’s life.”