Background <p>Patient-oriented research is becoming an established mode of healthcare research in Canada. It is supported by the Strategy for Patient-oriented Research (SPOR), launched by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. One core element of SPOR is the SUpport for People and Patient-oriented Research and Trials (SUPPORT) Units, which is tasked to promote and facilitate patient-oriented research across provinces and territories in the country. Under the strategy, patient partners are welcomed and engaged as equal team members from the beginning to the very end of health research projects to share their lived experience with a medical condition and their interactions with healthcare systems.</p> Main body <p>In this Commentary, two patient partners reflect on how they worked hand-in-hand with the BC SUPPORT Unit to co-develop activities to support patient-oriented research. This was achieved through mutual understanding, building trust, and staying true to SPOR values. Through a variety of roles - including serving on committees and working groups, initiating research projects, and participating in knowledge translation activities like webinars and conferences, the patient partners and the Unit grew stronger together.</p> Conclusion <p>This commentary exemplifies how a national health research strategy can foster alliances, where individuals within an organization encourage and empower each other to drive progress in health research.</p>