"ONS will always be a part of me".

When I announced my retirement last summer, it seemed so far away. Now that it is almost here, I can't believe it. ONS has been a part of my life for nearly three decades, and even though my tenure as chief executive officer (CEO) will be over on January 31, 2007, ONS will always be a part of me.

I am proud of what the Society has become throughout the years. In 1975, we were a fledgling group of oncology nurses looking to get the organization off the ground. Now, we have 35,000 members, making ONS the largest professional oncology association in the world.

We've come a long way, but we still have much to accomplish. I am confident that ONS will continue to thrive under the leadership of its volunteer members and the capable hands of its new CEO, Paula Trahan Rieger, RN, MSN, AOCN[R], FAAN.

Although I will not be involved in the day-to-day happenings of ONS, I look forward to watching it grow. I know that ONS is going to keep getting better and better with each passing year.

As I look back on my time at ONS, I would like to take a moment to recognize some people who have made a difference to me and to the Society. The ONS leadership with whom I have worked over the years has been amazing. Their dedication to oncology and to ONS have helped the organization become what it is today.

I also want to thank my hardworking and supportive staff, who never hesitated to help even when asked to move a mountain.

I also recognize the many corporations and foundations that have worked with us throughout the years to help us grow and reach out to our members. And, most of all, I want to thank you, the ONS members. You are what makes ONS great. Seeing how you never stopped striving for professional excellence was one of my greatest rewards. I thank you all for enriching my life.

By Pearl Moore, RN, MN, FAAN

ONS Chief Executive Officer