Happy Holidays!

I’d like to open with three different quotes by Maya Angelou:

“I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”

“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”

As 2006 winds down, I’m thrilled that the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation has blazed a path forward for carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumor research. I’m delighted to launch our Research Action Plan which will revolutionize carcinoid research.

With each initiative launched by the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation, other patient support groups follow some or all of them. This is a terrific stamp of approval and great help to our leadership. I appreciate these signs of support.

Since beginning the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation, I am grateful to have met the most incredible people—patients, family members, government officials and other supporters. As Maya Angelou states, we all need to give back to the world. I’m glad to be able to do so. Also, in doing so, I’ve received far more than I’ve thrown by making connections with other people working toward a common good and to improve the lives of others.

Despite the fatigue, bony pain and occasional general malaise that I sometimes feel, the participation and collaboration of researchers, pharmaceutical companies, government officials and patients keep me challenged and cheered. I am amazed by the kindness of officials at the NIH or FDA who will meet with us carcinoid patients and spend time providing advice and guidance.

Finally, I am grateful for the vagaries of fate that bring us happiness. We work very hard to produce positive results, but a fated incident will occur that reminds you sometimes happiness arrives unexpectedly. In D.C. recently, I changed hotel rooms after my first noisy night. As I zipped up and down the elevator, changing floors, one of my dearest friends coincidentally in D.C. also hopped on the elevator. We hugged and were delighted to see each other after so long. Nothing improves life more than an unexpected encounter with a dear friend.

Happy holidays!