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The Advance Team thanks outgoing chair David Herr, as well as outgoing events chair Kelli Kickerillo, outgoing education chair Laine Santamaria and incoming chair Holden Rushing, for their commitment and dedication to MD Anderson's mission to end cancer over the past two years. Through their leadership, the Advance Team made a significant impact on countless cancer patients and their families across the country and empowered even more people to change their behaviors and lower their cancer risk. 

A note from David Herr, outgoing chair: 
As I look back upon my two years as chair of the Advance Team (and six years before that of being on this amazing board), a smile comes across my face and a warmth in my heart. While the mission to END CANCER is in full force, the efforts made by so many on the Advance Team is so evident in the lives changed through research dollars raised, personal contact with patients and the spread of knowledge to help people avoid getting this dreaded disease in the first place. The executive team of Holden, chair-elect; Laine and Kelli and the extraordinary support of the MD Anderson Development Office have led this group by example with grace, focus and determination to further our mission and impact as many lives as possible in a positive way.

One of my secondary goals as chair was to leave this board in a position to reach even new heights in awareness, fundraising and overall impact. I can say this goal has truly been achieved with Holden as chair and his outstanding executive committee.

It's been an honor and privilege to work with so many wonderful people, from the Advance Team to the Board of Visitors to the doctors, nurses and researchers fighting tirelessly to END CANCER.

David T. Herr

A note from Laine Santamaria, outgoing education chair
What a humbling experience it has been to serve as your education chair for the past two years. Working on various projects alongside the most brilliant minds in the industry, I am reminded that it takes all of us to reach our goal of Making Cancer History?. No person or position is insignificant, and that includes each of you.

I look forward to continuing to be an integral member of the Advance Team and do not take this honor lightly. Although the strides we have made have been great, there is still so much work to do! My challenge to all of us is to charge ourselves with doing a little more than we did last year because together our momentum will be unstoppable as we yearn for the day that cancer is no more. Get out in the community - raise awareness, raise funding and raise your hand to volunteer opportunities that shed light on this incredible institution that we all love so dearly.

I am eager to serve under the new leadership team that will no doubt be a dynamic force with Holden Rushing as chair. Thank you for entrusting me with your confidence these past two years. May we find more hope with each new day and continue to ignite the flame in building a beautiful legacy with MD Anderson's physicians, practitioners, nurses and staff. 

Laine Santamaria

A note from Kelli Kickerillo, outgoing events chair
From a boot walk to a bunny hop, stories with Santa to an interview with a legend, it has been a sincere honor to serve as the events chair of the Advance Team these past two years. MD Anderson holds such a special place in my heart, and I have loved being able to give back to a place that gives so much to its patients, their families and the greater community.

The Advance Team is a special group that has the opportunity to learn about the projects, research and advances being made at MD Anderson and in turn share this information with the community. Under David Herr's leadership, we have become a force in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin. Events in each of these cities have been very successful and we have gained so much from your time, treasure and talent.

Thank you for letting me work with you and learn from you. I am amazed every year at the incredible way each of you has an unwavering dedication and devotion to MD Anderson's mission to end cancer. And with your continued work and involvement, this mission will soon be a reality. 

Kelli Kickerillo

The Advance Team's executive leadership for FY2017 - FY2019 includes: