From Testing to Targeted Treatments Meeting in Morocco
In 2021, Pooja Merchant at Bayer shared information about an organization, From Testing to Targeted Treatments (FT3), with me and made an introduction. Soon after, the Global Colon Cancer Association became a member of From Testing to Targeted Treatments and I joined their Board of Directors.
GCCA joined FT3 because of our shared goals of increasing access and awareness of precision medicine. FT3 has been a great partner in our work to ensure that regardless of where you live, every person has an opportunity to prevent or survive colorectal cancer. FT3 is led by the innovative Helena Harnik. In 2024 I joined the Executive Committee, and have strengthened my resolve to ensure that precision oncology is accessible for patients that need treatments today.
The Board of Directors at From Testing to Targeted Treatments held an in-person board meeting this week in Marrakech, Morocco. We were hosted by the inspirational survivor, advocate, and leader, Bahija Gouimi, who serves as the president of Association des Malades Atteints de Leucémies.
Our trip included a visit to Dar AMAL, which translates to House of Hope. Bahija and her husband had a dream to create Dar AMAL. When they began this journey, they had only $200 in their bank account, but they had the passion and drive to make their dream a reality. This sanctuary provides safe and beautiful accommodations and transportation for patients who travel from rural regions to receive care with dignity.
From Testing to Targeted Treatments is celebrating five years since its founding. The energy, commitment, and determination from the board members to do more to fight for better patient outcomes was palpable at our meeting. I am most proud of our multi-stakeholder approach, with patients and advocates not just sitting at the table, but leading and contributing in invaluable ways. We welcomed new board members, revisited our short-term and long-term strategies, and challenged ourselves to increase impact in communities around the world.
You never know what will come from making an introduction. Thank you, Pooja! We are so grateful for our partnership with FT3.