At Advocate Aurora Research Institute, our clinical trial teams are at the heart of advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. Their dedication, compassion and tireless pursuit of innovation help bring groundbreaking treatments and therapies to life. From coordinating complex studies to supporting participants every step of the way, our clinical coordinators, physician researchers and support staff go above and beyond every day. Their work not only impacts individual lives but shapes the future of health care for entire communities. Thank you to every member of our clinical trials team for your incredible commitment to discovery and healing. You make hope possible. To learn more about participating in clinical trials, please visit https://bit.ly/3F0ECZd (fb)

For Mary, cancer didn’t just change the course of her own life, but her choices during treatment allowed her to play a role in helping others. She was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2017. Doctors discovered a mass on her back that needed to be surgically removed. But Mary's story took a transformative turn when her cancer spread to her lymph nodes a few years later and she met Dr. Sigrun Hallmeyer at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Hallmeyer suggested Mary enroll in a clinical trial that eventually changed the standard of care for her type of cancer. The trial explored the effectiveness of timing surgery versus immunotherapy, and Mary's participation played a crucial role in advancing this research. "For me, it was important to contribute to something greater. I felt confident in the care I received and welcomed the opportunity to be part of research that can help others," Mary shared. Mary now celebrates nearly five years cancer-free, thanks to the groundbreaking research and dedicated medical professionals who stood by her side. Her journey is a testament to the power of clinical trials and the impact they have on improving treatments and outcomes for patients around the world. Learn more about our skin cancer care: https://bit.ly/3H0bDFy (fb)