One year ago, I was preparing to begin my tenure as ASH president. Having served on the ASH Executive Committee for years and as a longtime member of ASH, I thought I had a good sense of what to expect. In some ways, my expectations proved true: I had the cherished opportunity to meet and engage with a remarkable array of ASH members, I learned more about the innovations that are defining hematology, and I enjoyed an insider’s view as to how the always-impressive ASH annual meeting comes together.
But there is one thing I did not expect, and it has proved to be a defining feature for the year — the stunning assault on science, including the fundamental role of research, at the federal level. I found myself rapidly pivoting from one day to another to address things that I never imagined would happen during my tenure. Through this column, I have previously shared my distress about these developments and my pride in the many ways in which ASH is rising to this formidable challenge.
With this being my final column as ASH president, I’d like to now share with you a few lessons that I learned, or perhaps relearned, this year:
Never take support for science for granted. For most of my professional life, I thought that a basic belief prevailed in Washington, DC; namely, our political leaders would always see value in strong and sustained federal investment in science. Of course, there have long been debates about budget numbers, but until this year, we’ve never had to contend with the widespread withholding of research funds that had already been appropriated by Congress, the introduction of ideological restrictions on the kind of research that would be funded (notably an aversion to anything dealing with diversity, equity, or inclusion), or the prospect of crippling, across-the-board funding cuts. If nothing else, we should now know that if we act as if support for science is a given in future debates and elections, we do a disservice to our field and to our patients.
Your voice matters. As I write this column, the FY26 budget for the National Institutes of Health has yet to be finalized, but most members of Congress appear unwilling to embrace the Trump administration’s proposed 40% cut. Each time I’ve met with lawmakers or their aides — no matter their party affiliation — they’ve told me that hearing from constituents affects congressional votes and policy decisions. We need to share our stories repeatedly and in fresh ways so that they resonate with more voters, lawmakers, and policy makers.
We are resilient. While there have been moments of despair amid the flurry of anti-science activity, we are still standing — searching for new treatments and cures, serving our patients, and fighting for what we believe in. ASH has taken concrete steps to keep research in hematology afloat, improve clinical care, maintain international collaborations, advocate for hematology, and recruit, educate, and retain individuals in this field. The bold actions by ASH are a strong reflection of the Society’s commitment to conquering blood diseases. We will not be deterred in continuing to advance the field.
There’s likely a fourth lesson here, one I’d like to think I’ve practiced all my life, but bears reinforcing: Gratitude counts. Showing appreciation may not be top of mind in a year full of troubling developments for science and health care, but it’s important. I’m thankful for those members of Congress who stand up for hematology, and I’m thankful for your dedication and passion for this field. I also want to acknowledge my colleagues on the Executive Committee for their willingness to take bold steps in support of hematology. And I’m thankful to the incredibly talented ASH staff, who’ve assisted us in our many efforts to protect hematology research and patient care.
Looking ahead to 2026, my hope is that we will see a renewed appreciation for the role of scientific research and celebrate new treatment breakthroughs, Together, I believe we will make progress. Visit the Fight4Hematology Action Hub at hematology.org/advocacy/fight4hematology to see how you can help.
In closing, I’d like to share a quote from cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead, a thought that I hope can inspire us in our fight for hematology: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
