Larry Coffer, Laboratory Manager of Breast Medical Oncology Research at MD Anderson, gave a short speech before beginning the lab tour during the 2023 Ultimate IBC Meet Up in Houston. His story of the legacy of Morgan Welch shows us how much of a difference one person can make.
“The legacy of Morgan Welch, a beacon of hope and inspiration, drives our program. Her spirit, courage, and story became the catalyst for our mission. Every study, every experiment, and every breakthrough we embark upon carries her memory and her fight.
We’ve always believed that the heart of our research lies in understanding the patient’s journey. And so, your presence here, as patients and advocates, is invaluable. You bring the lived experiences, stories, and feedback that shape our direction and purpose.
Our achievements, from building the world’s largest bio-repository of tissue & serum samples to running the most extensive clinical trial portfolio, have only been possible with your unwavering support and guidance.
As we open our doors for the “2023 Ultimate Meetup”, I hope this insightful tour of our labs bridges the gap between our scientific endeavors and the personal journeys you’ve undertaken.
I’d like to take a moment to extend a special thank you to our research team members, who have tirelessly organized this event. Their dedication in serving as guides and demonstrating the intricacies of our work is truly commendable. They are the backbone of our research efforts, and their commitment shines through today.
In our shared pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and hope, I’d like to introduce two key figures in our program. Dr. Bisrat Debeb and Dr. Chandra Bartholomeusz, steadfast warriors in the fight against IBC, are here to shed more light on our recent discoveries and future aspirations.
Together, we stand committed, inspired by Morgan’s legacy and fueled by your stories, as we continue our relentless quest against inflammatory breast cancer.
Thank you for being here, for your courage, and for allowing us to be a part of your journey.”
Larry has set up a fundraising page for the MD Anderson Boot Walk. Please consider making a donation.
