Saluting the heroes of COVID-19

With gratitude for the generosity that fuels our proactive response and strategic recovery

BY Peter WT Pisters, M.D.

The Blue Angels of the U.S. Navy fly over the Texas Medical Center in May.

We hope this issue of Promise finds you and the ones you love both healthy and hopeful — and that the stories within provide inspiration during these trying times. We are thinking of you.

COVID-19 has posed an especially daunting challenge to our workforce at MD Anderson. And our teams have responded with courage and resilience to protect our patients — the largest immunocompromised patient population in the world. I am proud to lead this unified and dedicated group of cancer fighters who have gone to extraordinary lengths to shield our vulnerable patients, fellow coworkers and the community at large from this deadly virus.

Our efforts rely on careful planning and innovation, our selfless employees and the devotion of people like you. We are grateful for our many friends in these uncertain times. From your encouraging messages, to your donations of personal protective equipment, food and in-kind gifts, to your generosity in giving to our Caring Fund for employees and our Patient Assistance Program — knowing that we have your invaluable support inspires all of us to work harder every day. Thank you for believing in our mission and in those pursuing it.

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of MD Anderson, before a virtual town hall to update employees on MD Anderson's proactive response to COVID-19.

Collage of MD Anderson employees wearing masks

Workforce members reflect the faces of everyday heroes.

Institutional leaders on stage at the virtual town hall event

Institutional leaders onstage at a virtual town hall.

Chalk art reading 'We're all in this together'

Sidewalk chalk art outside employee entrances at MD Anderson.

George Chang, M.D., a professor of Surgical Oncology, donates convalescent plasma at MD Anderson’s Blood Bank in April.

Desk at MD Anderson surrounded by signage reading 'Heroes work here' and 'We're all in this together'

Signage around MD Anderson reflects gratitude and teamwork.

More Stories From Promise

Running for cancer research

After losing her mother to ovarian cancer in 2019, Christen Howell set out to run the Austin Half Marathon, supporting MD Anderson through Fundraise to End Cancer