As we approach the season of gratitude, it's the perfect time to reflect on the community that sustains and uplifts us: AHRA. Our shared commitment to advancing our profession isn’t just about professional growth — it’s about the people, the support, and the lasting legacy we’re building together. AHRA is more than a professional organization; it’s a community that empowers its members to lead, innovate, and inspire, even amidst the evolving demands of healthcare.

I have really been thankful for AHRA lately for so many great, recent experiences. I am thankful that one of my dearest AHRA colleagues, while on a business trip to California, took time from visiting his family to come have lunch with me! I am thankful that AHRA allowed me to reconnect with a fellow tech who I worked with when I first started out and am now watching her AHRA and personal career take off. I am thankful that when I recently reached a personal life goal, one of the first groups to congratulate me was my ARHA family. I am thankful for the steady stream of texts and memes from my AHRA family that keeps me smiling and constantly remind me that I am not alone.

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the people who make the AHRA community exceptional — the volunteers, leaders, and every member who contributes to our collective mission of putting patients first. Your dedication makes a difference not only in your own organizations but also throughout the healthcare field.

With that in mind, there are a few ways we can give back to our AHRA community and continue to make it a place for medical imaging leaders to grow, personally and professionally. 

Donate to Living Our Legacy

One of the most impactful ways to show your gratitude for this community is by contributing to the Living Our Legacy campaign. This initiative directly supports the future of our profession by funding scholarships, educational resources, and professional development opportunities for AHRA members. By donating, you become a part of something larger, ensuring that our collective legacy endures and that the next generation of healthcare leaders is equipped to thrive.

Your support ensures that AHRA can continue to offer valuable resources, maintain cutting-edge educational programs, and provide vital assistance to members at all stages of their careers. Whether you're able to give financially or by volunteering your time, every contribution helps us preserve our legacy and strengthen the community for years to come.

Mentoring

I am also forever thankful for the many mentors that have guided me in my leadership journey. This is your chance to gain a mentor or be a mentor to others. This is a hidden gem of unbelievable value that everyone should participate in. Join us on Thursday, November 21, at 12 PM ET, for a special mentoring edition of the AHRA My Way virtual chat.

Not able to make the November meeting? The last AHRA My Way of the year will take place Thursday, December 19.  

Putting Patients First Grant Applications Closes Soon

Additionally, a reminder that applications for the Putting Patients First grant close on Tuesday, December 31. This grant program, created in partnership with Canon Medical Systems, provides funding to help AHRA members develop and implement innovative projects that improve patient care and safety in diagnostic imaging. Winners will be announced in mid-December, and we are excited to see the creative, patient-centered projects our members have developed.

If you haven’t submitted your application yet, there’s still time to share your ideas and make a difference in the lives of patients through the power of imaging. This is your opportunity to be a part of AHRA’s ongoing mission of putting patients at the center of everything we do.

A Community Rooted in Gratitude

As we give thanks this season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the strength and vibrancy of the AHRA community. Every day, through collaboration, education, and leadership, we are building a brighter future for medical imaging and, most importantly, for the patients we serve. Together, we are living our legacy.