Inspired by the stars in our orbit

After two years of virtual engagements, we were thrilled in July to host our Leadership Circle event at the historic Washington Hall, located on the south side of Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Executive Director Gary Renville welcomed our guests and graciously thanked them for making the effort to be there in person. It was wonderful to see so many of our friends in attendance, including Verdant Health Commission, Kaiser Permanente, UW Medicine, Companis, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Northwest Kidney Centers, Genentech and others.

He then turned the focus to the recently released image from the James Webb Space Telescope, noting the many layers of stars and galaxies we can see — and how each layer supported the next. Ultimately, he likened the many layers from that image to the many moments and people that have helped shape Project Access Northwest into the organization it is today.

“We know that the start happened around many a conference table to discuss potential solutions to the challenge of accessing specialty services for low-income, uninsured and vulnerable patients … and we are inspired by all the stars in our own orbit.”

Panel explored impact of missed cancer screenings

We were privileged to have curated a panel discussion, with the help of Ryan Whisnant, of American Cancer Society, and Paul Castonguay, Director Healthcare Market Seattle & Alaska at Genentech, about the impact of missed cancer screenings, both on our clients and our hospital partners. The panel was moderated by Greg Scully, of 501Commons. The panel experts included Vicky Fang, MD, University of Washington Medicine; Jovanna McKinney, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; and our own Operations Nurse Andrea Castell, RN. The knowledge and passion our panelists showed about this important and timely topic was truly inspired.

As with each Leadership Circle Event, we like to take a moment to spotlight someone who works closely with us to help strike down barriers to health care. This year, we invited Martha Hopler, a Project Access Northwest social worker and care coordinator, to share her story.

About the Leadership Circle

The Project Access Northwest Leadership Circle is a group of our most committed donors who partner with us in time, talent and treasure. They are thought leaders, donors, friends and powerful advocates of our organization.

To learn more about how you can become a member of our Leadership Circle and make an impact in the access to health care in our region, please contact Michael Welke, Director of Donor Experience, with any questions: michaelw@projectaccessnw.org or 206.858.4191.