Why we do what we do…
A difficult client. A new PD win. A 16 hr. day ending 180 degrees different than expected. A lost AFL pitch. A new Consulting win. An all-hands on deck mtg. to resolve a potentially deal-breaking issue. A crazy co-worker. A new RFL NCTP company. A tough decision. A happy client. A disappointing outcome. A new EI product. A challenging vendor. A major QL win…
A tiny sampling of the highs, lows, good times, and bad that we all encounter in our ACS EI work.
And “good” work it is…
Last weekend was our local Relay For Life in our little town of Oakdale, CA (pop 18k). I walked the opening survivor lap with a long-time friend, Mark and his wife Mila. Mila is a breast cancer survivor and doing well. Mark is a beloved family man, revered local coach, outstanding community citizen, a man of high morales and ethics, a role model for all.
And now in the fight for his life.
A few weeks ago, Mark was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, and is currently undergoing treatments. He gathered his strength and came out to the Relay for the opening ceremonies, needing a steady hand to help him through, but determined to finish the lap.
Your commitment to our cause, to the mission of the American Cancer Society, your tireless efforts, long hours, wins, challenges, opportunities, and all that makes up you “work day” has helped Mila beat her cancer and be there for her husband and children as Mark goes through his own cancer journey.
You and your efforts are bringing hope to the Dickens family that Mark will beat this disease, that their children won’t be faced with the trials that both of their parents are facing, that someday the Luminaria ceremonies at Relay events worldwide will only have bags with candles in them that read “In Honor of…” not “In Memory of…”.
You are saving lives. You are changing the course of this damned disease. You are appreciated and valued more than you know…
I have the privileged to have the best co-workers one could ask for and am proud to be your teammate.
Thank you for what you do.
Kevin
