I share the joy and anticipation of my AUA colleagues as we eagerly prepare for AUA2022 in New Orleans. These past 2 years have been challenging and heartbreaking, yet the Urology Care Foundation (UCF) has persevered with the support of each one of you. I am excited to celebrate the successes of the UCF with all of you in person at our urology community’s most cherished annual gathering. We should all be proud of the growth of the UCF, the expansion of its vision, and, of course, its accomplishments—I know I am.

Let me share some of the highlights of the last year. The UCF has focused on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Supported by a $2 million grant from Urovant, the UCF launched a program in April 2021 aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion in urology research. The Leadership in Education, Achievement and Diversity (LEAD) program supports three urology residents per year from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds in urology.

Importantly, we have also collaborated with the AUA Sections to sponsor Summer Medical Fellows with the aim of increasing opportunities for underrepresented minorities. The commitment of the sections is most gratifying.

We believe that education brings equity. Patient education efforts have been reimagined so that they can communicate more effectively with minorities and underserved groups. UCF patient education materials have been translated into 10 languages. We have also continued to support humanitarian efforts to provide care and mission work in underserved areas around the world.

In 2019, we developed the aspirational goal of establishing humanitarian endowments to support the humanitarian efforts of our members. Thus far, we have fully funded 7 UCF humanitarian endowments in the amount of $1,050,000 total. Our goal is to establish 7 more of these endowments.

Our own President-elect, Dr. Edward Messing, recognizes the importance of the UCF as evidenced by his extremely generous gift of $50,000 in support of the UCF’s programs at the end of 2021. This remarkable contribution is an incredible act of selflessness to advance the UCF’s mission. Dr. Messing says of his donation: “The Urology Care Foundation is the leading advocate for urologic health and has impacted my career both through its international outreach efforts and its support of research. Through my long-time membership with the AUA and involvement with the Foundation, I am inspired to donate to the Foundation because these efforts must be maintained and expanded to help urologic patients throughout the world.”

These huge milestones bring us to May 2022 and the opportunity to revel in the hard work of our entire community. The biggest gala of the year takes place Friday, May 13, 2022, on The Riverboat Louis Armstrong. Please accept my personal invitation to join us for L’Amour de la Nouvelle-Orleans, A Night to Benefit the Urology Care Foundation. The sounds of a lively big band will fill the air as you enjoy lavish world-famous creole cuisine in an elegantly appointed ball room, bourbon tasting on the promenade deck and boarding photos upon arrival to capture this memorable evening. Guests will enjoy an evening of camaraderie, big band dancing and more! PLEASE join us in our mission.

When you are at the AUA meeting, don’t forget to stop by to see us at the UCF booth in The Square!

The global mission of the UCF will not be realized without the support of each one of you.