My involvement with what is now Georgia CORE began several years ago when I was the Vice President of the Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC). Armed with funding from the state via its tobacco settlement, GCC began the process of identifying significant needs and amazing opportunities in cancer care, prevention and research.

One of the most inspiring stories I heard was of community physicians who were reaching out to colleagues across the state and the nation in search of appropriate clinical trials for cancer patients. These doctors were clearly driven to make a difference in the lives of their patients by discovering the best and most promising cancer therapies. Georgia’s community oncologists relied on their professional association, the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO), relationships with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry and friendships with medical school buddies to create an “affinity group” of those interested in growing cancer research in Georgia.

Fast forward three years to a time when the Georgia CORE was created, with start up funding from the GCC and support from GASCO. This was possible because the very same community oncologists partnered with academic scientists, community clinicians, educators, public health practitioners, healthcare administrators, industry and technology executives, patients and survivors to develop a strong business plan for a statewide cancer research network. Most of the physicians involved in the design of the original business plan remain on the Board of Georgia CORE in spite of their busy schedules caring for patients, growing practices, family and community commitments.

Building on the foresight and intellect of these fine oncologists, Georgia CORE has created a cancer research network, a database of cancer clinical trials, programs for educating cancer research professionals and is now offering clinical trials designed by Georgia investigators. Most importantly, patients and their families can find exceptional cancer care and research “right close to home” in convenient ways through Georgia CORE’s web site, clinical trials database and educational programs.

Each day I am inspired by the work of oncologists who created Georgia CORE. These dedicated, visionary leaders established an organization that is both unique and timely and only beginning to fulfill its promise of expanding clinical cancer research which offers benefits to those committed to quality cancer care across the state.

Sincerely,

Nancy M. Paris