b'www.east.org 7Donor Story Mark Seamon, MD, FACSHospital of the University of PennsylvaniaAsking why I want to give to the EAST Development Fund is a bit like asking why I want to play with my kids or help them with their homework. The easy answer is that its the right thing to dobut really its much more than that.The EAST mission statement reads that EAST is a scientific organization providing leadership and development for young surgeons Donating to the EAST Development Fund facilitates every facet of young surgeon development from leadership skills, to research pursuits, to the knowledge and understanding of our specialty. Just as I attended my first EAST Annual Scientific Assembly, presented my first abstract, and published my first manuscript after submitting my work to my first EAST meeting in Disney over a decade ago, I want others to build their own paths. Donating to the Development Fund helps create pathways to career success for young surgeons.Similar to seeing my kids do well in the classroom or on the ball field, it gives me the same pleasure knowing my gift has impacted the careers of young future trauma surgeons.I know that even a small gift now will pay tremendous dividends later. Pay it forward.Donor Story Juliet Altenburg, MSN, RNPennsylvania Trauma Systems FoundationI have been an associate EAST member since my time as a trauma program manager in a Level I trauma center in the 90s to my current statewide position as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation.What I have loved most about EAST is how it fosters growth in the area of research among young trauma professionals and continues to embrace the trauma nursing community through project collaborations and professional development.I love being a cheerleader at the EAST Annual Scientific Assembly as I watch our PA researchers with pride as they showcase their work utilizing our statewide trauma registry. Thanks EAST!Interested in sharing your EAST donor story with our community? Please submit the form online.If you have any questions, please contact us.'