b'S U M M E R 2 0 2 1 3Leadership MessageIt is very easy to be proud of Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Cares performance during 2020 and 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic and an unexpected in\x1f ux of hundreds of new patients stretched our providers, our sta\x1e , our supporters and most profoundlyour patients. But everyone responded with understanding, compassion, competence and extra e\x1e ort to ensure that the excellent care we are known for continued.The past year will be remembered by all for the pandemic, but at Payson Center, another development had an immediate impact. Just as the pandemic began transforming our operations, we learned that LRGHealthcare would be closing its chemotherapy cancer clinic in Laconia. Overcoming incredible logistical challenges, New Hampshire Oncology and Hematology (NHOH), which provides chemotherapy care in Laconia and at Payson Center, rapidly transferred care for hundreds of patients to Payson and its Hooksett location. The goal, as always, was to do what was right for the patients, whose cancer diagnoses already presented perhaps the most stressful time of their lives.It was a huge accomplishment on everyones part and we are very grateful. We remain impressed with the dedication of our professionals throughout Payson Center who continued to care for patients, even with uncertainty about their own personal safety and while dealing with their own families pandemic challenges. It is important to note that despite some hesitancy in society about the COVID-19 vaccines, when it was our turn, most of our providers and sta\x1ewere eager to get vaccinated, not only for their personal safety, but for the safety of patients.This issue of Paysoncares highlights accomplishments through the most di\x1dcult of times that illustrate how Payson Center personnel stretched to continue working to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and support patients and their caregivers.Youll learn how Paysons nurse navigators and social workers \x1c lled in for family members who could not accompany loved ones to treatment, how new technology is making radiation therapy even more safe and precise, and how patients and their caregivers are showing their gratitude. Youll even \x1c nd tips on healthy meals. We are humbled that patients from our community and throughout New Hampshire trust Payson Center for their cancer care. We thank you and your loved ones for your understanding and willingness to cooperate with pandemic-related restrictions designed to keep you, your families and our providers and sta\x1esafe.We are grateful that businesses and individuals provide the philanthropic support that allows us to continue to o\x1e er the care and important supplemental services the community has come to expect.We are hopeful that the pandemic soon will become a distant memory, allowing us to focus solely on excellent, compassionate cancer care right here in our community.Thank you,Charles Catcher, MDThomas A. Sheldon, MDNEW HAMPSHIRE ONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGYRADIATION ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES, PAMEDICAL DIRECTORCHAIR OF RADIATION ONCOLOGYPAYSON CENTER FOR CANCER CAREPAYSON CENTER FOR CANCER CARE'