It is with much sadness that I am writing to you today. Under usual circumstances, this column would be an uplifting and challenging letter written by Dr. Dolly Tyan. However, as many of you know, Dolly’s husband, Dr. Marvin Tyan, passed away on May 3^rd. While many of us on ASHI Council did not have the pleasure of knowing Marvin, it was clear that he was a source of great strength and guidance for Dolly during many difficult decisions. This past year has seen many challenges for ASHI. There have been issues related to CLIA regulations and accreditation that have required enormous time and effort by all individuals involved. ASHI has embarked on a new Strategic Plan and issued three new proposals that are focused on strengthening our society and our position in the field. These, and other issues, have required almost daily attention. Given Dolly’s personal challenges, it would have been very easy for her to step back and not deal with ASHI issues. However, Dolly found time to take care of her personal life while still giving 110 percent effort to our society. I personally feel that all of us in ASHI owe a great deal of thanks to Dolly for being as dedicated as she is. It is clear that many issues could have turned out significantly different if not for Dolly’s efforts. I would just ask that each of you, in your own way, convey a word of thanks to Dolly the next time you might pass her at a meeting.

As I mentioned above, ASHI now has many challenges ahead. We are embarking on a new strategic plan that, if successful, will help solidify and strengthen ASHI’s presence in the transplant community. However, a plan is just that, a plan. Without action, a plan is not worth more than the paper it is written on. The action is what makes the plan a success. As Dolly has indicated in previous columns, all of us in the society need to work together if we are to achieve our goals. In Dolly’s own words "We all need to be… giving the society our very best." There are many areas for individuals to become involved in ASHI. If our society is to move forward we will need the efforts of all members. I realize that each one of us has our own goals and aspirations. We each have our own busy personal and professional lives. However, I would challenge each member that ASHI is part of your professional life. As President-Elect, I have received many phone calls from individuals with good suggestions for the society. The calls always start out with "Why doesn’t ASHI do…?" My response is "And what would you like to do to help?" In many instances the answer is "I can’t do … but ASHI should still do… " I would challenge each one of us to ask ourselves "Am I really doing all I can?" ASHI will only be as successful as our members will allow.

I would like to end with a saying from the late Coach Vince Lombardi:

"The quality of a person’s life and the success they aspire to is directly related to their level of commitment to achieving excellence, no matter what the circumstances or field they choose to pursue."

I am confident that the membership of ASHI is committed to achieving excellence. It is obvious from the actions of Dr. Dolly Tyan, our current President, that she is.

Robert Bray, Ph.D.

President-Elect