When I moved to DC to take the job as Georgetown Lombardi director, I did so with the conviction that everybody, irrespective of race, socioeconomic status or ethnicity, deserved equal care. Fifteen years later, I now know I was wrong, because everyone deserves the best possible opportunity for a favorable cancer outcome — be it prevention, early detection, treatment or cure. Some folks need more help than others to make it happen.
When I moved here, I had this idea that we could reduce disparities in cancer outcomes if only we could provide everyone with comprehensive navigation and support. We now know it can work, but sadly have learned that society has a limited appetite for devoting the necessary resources to make it happen, even though it would ultimately save resources as well as lives.
It is Sunday evening. I just returned early from the AACR meeting on the same plane as Lucile Adams-Campbell. It was for the very best of reasons — on Monday morning, by the time many of you read this blog, we will have dedicated the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention, greatly expanding the scope of our prior Capital Breast Care Center. This is a huge moment for Georgetown Lombardi (I received many congratulations from fellow cancer center directors at the AACR meeting), for our community and for our partnership with the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation.
But make no mistake — establishment of the new center is a milepost, not a destination. Too many of our neighbors face longer odds than are needed with respect to cancer, and we have a lot of work in front of us to achieve the dream that has animated our efforts over the past 15 years. Enhanced navigation through more comprehensive screening will make a big difference, as will the work done through our Health Justice Alliance. Much remains to be done, but we are in a better position to make a difference than ever before.
I wrote a recent blog that celebrates Georgetown Lombardi’s many accomplishments over the past five years. If we maintain our momentum and transform cancer care for our historically underserved neighbors in the process, I will permit myself just a bit of pride in having had a role in Lombardi truly living Georgetown’s commitment to cura personalis.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing founding director John Potter also know about his passionate commitment to health equity and early cancer detection. How lovely that his inspiring vision lives on through the work that we do.
We are so fortunate to have the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation as a visionary partner in this mission. It sure doesn’t hurt to field an all-star lineup led by Lucile!
Let’s make the world a better place, today and every day.
Stay safe and be well.
Lou
PS: I hope you’ll attend the Potter Lecture this Friday, presented by Cecil Han, PhD, recipient of this year’s John F. Potter, MD, Award. You can find more information in this week’s newsletter.
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