A small notice in the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) announced the formation of a new specialty organization, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). The AJN issue was in a box of journals and other mail my mother sent to me because I was working in Switzerland and had my mail forwarded to her. In the announcement was the list of the first ONS officers. I noticed that a classmate from Duke, Daryl Maass (Mathers), was the secretary. I recall writing her and telling her how excited I was to see this announcement and that, when I returned to the United States, I would definitely join. And join I did in late 1977 or early 1978 … I am not sure. I do know that I attended the 1978 ONS Congress and have attended every one since then. ONS has been my consistent and continuous professional home.