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In her own words: Ryan bids farewell

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

 

University of Iowa Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence Research Associate andPREDICT-HD Coordinator Pat Ryan retired in August after over five years working here. In her own words, Ryan reflects on her tenure and offers a big “thank you” to those she worked with.

By Pat Ryan

Ryan, PatWhen I started five years ago as a PREDICT-HD coordinator at the University of Iowa Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence, I really had no idea what I was getting into. But I fell in love with both my colleagues and our research participants. Over the years, I was privileged to do a variety of jobs within the UI HDSA COE, while continuing to also do my favorite thing – facilitating PREDICT-HD visits. I want to thank everyone from the UI staff, PREDICT-HD site personnel, the participants and their families for making this such a rich journey.

A few of the wonderful memories I’ll take with me:

  • Participants enthusiastically saying “yes” to virtually every new aspect of the study that came along
  • Meeting and working side by side with highly skilled PREDICT-HD coordinators in cities throughout the country
  • Colleagues providing amazing compassion and support (in 2011) when my husband died
  • Scientists dedicating their professional careers to making a difference for HD individuals and families
  • Developing a new protocol and data management system from the ground up with the phenomenal PREDICT-HD team
  • Hugs, tears, laughter, fears, stories and teasing from participants – my HD heroes

Photo by Owen Wade: Pat Ryan says saying goodbye to her participants is the hardest part about retiring.