Thanks, Adieu and Farewell

Abstract

In 1999 did I assume The job of Editor-in-Chief of Molecular Therapy A journal new and just in bloom By the newly founded American Society of Gene Therapy. First, I asked many a friend and colleague To help and to serve on the Editorial Board Lucky I was to discover Fintan Steele As first Editor to get the show on the road. After hitches, glitches, and birthing pain Getting the publisher, printer, and schedule in line A few papers, reviews and confidence gained We published the first issue in January of 1999. Soon gene therapy suffered a grievous blow Jolted by the death of Jessie, the young boy Media, public and critiques all dimmed the glow Gene therapy, cried all, this event will destroy. Investigations, senate hearings, introspection of the field New rules, guidelines, new vectors, new ways emerged Papers, commentaries, new trials, left the copious yield Again optimism returned, gene therapy resurged Increased submissions, new interest, Molecular Therapy settled Fintan Steele unexpectedly chose to quit Editor's job The comfortable stance soon jarred and rattled Worried, hurried, with much help, soon we found Rob. Mid-2002 news traveled from France Cure of several children with SCID had no chance Gene therapy did work, for all to glance Left critics awed and us in a trance. Things sailed smoothly with the usual bumps New methods, new techniques did the field renew Every now and then came and were crossed humps Readership, impact factor, submissions all grew. Five years and fifty editorials gone by Many, many thanks for making Molecular Therapy number one It is now time to say good-bye So farewell all, my task is done!