Dear David,
This is your 20th anniversary with the CHS and we would like to take this time to extend our deepest gratitude for all that you have given to this organization as staff. You joined the CHS as Program Director in 2002, became Executive Director in 2006, held that position for 11 years, and have been the National Director of Policy ever since. David, those roles and titles do not come close to define what you have actually given us in your years of dedication.
You have been a leader. A leader who emerged not from just your professional title, but more from the knowledge you sought and acquired, your passion for that knowledge, your ability to get it right, and the way you instill security in all of us – be it the patient membership, our stakeholders and extending to our international counterparts. When you speak we listen, your words are sound and credible. We trust you. How can we just say a simple thank you to a person who has worked tirelessly for the greater good of bleeding disorder care. Your work has advanced us, helped save lives, given us hope and made us the strong organization we are today.
As I write this letter it is difficult for me to stick to the script of what the CHS President should say in an official capacity. As a part of the National Board, we have a role to ensure CHS works towards a vision, and we journey along right beside you and the CHS as we reach our goals. Along the way, we have found a deep connection to the people who work to give us a better life. David you are right at the centre of that. I remember being a very new Director on the CHS board, and perceived myself as small and insignificant. I shared a story from our chapter, where we advocated for a service and got it. I remember you stopping the meeting and looking me in the eye and telling me how significant that was. You were proud, and so were we. From that day on, we wanted to be the best advocates out there because you empowered us. That empowerment lead us to advancements in treatments throughout the years but most importantly in our most recent life-changing therapy in emicizumab. You have also been instrumental in CHS’ commitment to ensure blood and blood products are safe and secure, and you remain a tenacious steward of comprehensive care to this day. Again, how do we say thank you? There are no words for this kind of gratitude.
David, on behalf of the national Board of Directors, the bleeding disorder community including the stakeholders and all members, I will say the words THANK YOU for these 20 years – but what it actually means is that there is no one like you, you are gift to this community and your lessons and wisdom have given us enough inspiration to try to be you and carry that torch when you are ready to hand it over. You possess the qualities of a true leader: one who has the knowledge, but is also the best teacher and willing to share that knowledge – another part of the gift that is you. For all this we are grateful and congratulate you on 20 years of making a difference in this world.
Sincerely,
Wendy Quinn
President
