Supporting community cancer care is a team sport—and Ted Okon has worked for more than 15 years with the Community Oncology Alliance’s (COA) staff and members to help rally a tireless collective of dedicated advocates.

Stepping up to lead the organization in its early years, Ted and the team saw the potential COA had to unite the independent cancer care community. Going from just a small group of advocates to a national network of community oncology professionals, practices, and patients is an accomplishment he shares with every member of the COA team.

“From the very beginning, we knew we had to protect community oncology—but it couldn’t be done alone,” says Ted. “Connecting and building relationships with people across the cancer care community who share that commitment has made us what we are today.”

COA is the leading voice for community oncology in Washington, D.C., but outside the nation’s capital, it’s so much more, Ted explained. It’s a network, a community, and above all, a family he’s grateful to be part of.

“COA has brought together thousands of people who want to protect community cancer care,” says Ted. “Without the dedication of every single person, we wouldn’t be here today—and community oncology might not either.”