By Ruth Akers, RN, BSN, MS, MAACVPR

Everybody loves a good celebration, am I right?

We’re fresh off one of the best examples in this country: Independence Day. Every July 4^th, Americans hoist their flags with gusto; enthusiastically don their red, white, and blue; and gather happily with friends and family to honor the birth of the nation.

As I watched the fireworks earlier this month, I was reminded that history is a story of beginnings and of the behind-the-scenes work that delivered us to where we are today. It’s important to recognize impact from year to year, but those milestone moments especially seem to resonate. A big one is on the horizon for America, which will observe 250 years of emancipation from Great Britain in 2026; but a noteworthy moment is underway right now at AACVPR.

Excitement is building as we approach September, when cardiopulmonary professionals from around the country will cheer AACVPR’s 40^th Annual Meeting under the banner “Celebrating Our Progress, Shaping Our Future.” Our association was established in 1985, molded with care by pioneers who saw a bright future for this important medical discipline. I didn’t even know what cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was back then but, looking back, I’m grateful that I was the lucky one hired to start the first outpatient CR center at Bryn Mawr Hospital that same year. Little did I know this job would lay the foundation for a career that would be rewarding beyond my wildest imagination!

During the past 40 years, I’ve watched AACVPR blossom from a fledgling group of brilliant thinkers and clinicians into what is now an organization of experts that has broken ground in the areas of advocacy, publications and data analytics, education, certification, and more. I’ve grown personally and professionally right along with it and now, in the sunset of my career, I can only marvel at what AACVPR has done for me.

As an original member, I can attest that it is the education, networking, and guidance I received from AACVPR along the way that guided my footsteps. I stood on the shoulders of giants who were willing to teach, share, and research to make our organization the outstanding resource that it is. The colleagues I’ve met along the way have become lifelong mentors and friends. I have attended nearly every conference and have been involved in multiple committees and even the board of directors, where I currently occupy the Secretary’s chair. These people, places, and positions collectively represent the most rewarding investment of my professional life.

West Palm Beach, Florida, beckons us for a celebration worthy of 40 years of greatness. The conference will be packed with world-renowned speakers, education, and all the networking you can stand. You might even be part of the famous AACVPR congo line (IYKYK)! If you’re a professional in cardiac or pulmonary rehab, this IS the ‘main event’ and one you shouldn’t miss. Come and learn from the best and connect with colleagues who just might end up being your mentor and/or lifelong friend. Bring all of that 4^th of July energy with you, and celebrate this momentous occasion with us September 17-19, 2025 — you won’t regret it!

For a sneak peek at some of what you can expect, News & Views invites you to dig into July's special AACVPR 40^th Annual Meeting anniversary issue — coming soon. See you in Florida!

Ruth Akers is AACVPR Board Secretary and Editor of News & Views.