I’ve stared demise within the face.
That may seem to be an odd option to start a narrative about my profession at Cisco, however the reality is, I’m tremendous completely satisfied to be right here — and even happier to be alive.
When individuals see me and say, “It’s so good to see you,” I now reply with, “It’s tremendous good to be seen.”
I work inside Office Assets (WPR) alongside among the most inventive, forward-thinking individuals. I handle a small workforce accountable for the Americas, and we get to construct and ship among the most enjoyable examples of contemporary day company actual property. It really is an integration of expertise, creativeness, and operations, all wrapped up in a bow of paint, carpet, and sheetrock. Although, in my expertise, the true worth isn’t simply within the design and innovation of the areas; it’s within the those that fill them.
I used to be with my spouse (my bestie of 28 years) once I heard the information, “You’ve bought most cancers.” After listening to these phrases, we cried limitless tears, skilled moments of panic, desperation, and a gnawing worry as we confronted the unknown. My children have been devastated, and our canine even sensed one thing was terribly fallacious. The humorous factor is, at Cisco we do these profiles that categorize individuals with their prime two stand out energy “roles.” Mine are Pioneer/Influencer, so the world of the unknown is the place I sometimes thrive, however to say the least, I wasn’t thriving within the unknown atmosphere of most cancers.
The primary go to with my medical workforce wasn’t superior. They’re an amazing workforce of tremendous sensible docs, however additionally they must handle affected person expectations. And though the chances have been — and nonetheless are very a lot in favor of beating and surviving my sort of most cancers — the fact is, I must endure one of many hardest, most brutal remedies to get to the opposite aspect. I had a tumor on the base of my tongue with secondary websites in my lymph nodes on the correct aspect my neck. The remedy plan was for seven weeks of each day radiation and 7 doses of chemotherapy. The give attention to my neck and throat is what would make this remedy so troublesome. Because the physician put it, “We’re going to take you proper to edge”
It was a chilling warning, but it surely additionally revealed a profound reality. The human physique is an unbelievable factor, designed to function below each day calls for in addition to endure excessive situations. And I realized that this endurance doesn’t come simply from me; it’s amplified and very highly effective when others collect with a typical objective — that energy grows exponentially.
Whereas within the throes of remedy, a exceptional factor occurred. My colleagues, teammates, pals, co-workers — no single title can really describe them — they rallied. They stayed knowledgeable, considered me continually, some prayed, others despatched good vibes and mojo. However past these particular person acts, essentially the most unbelievable factor was their collective presence. They confirmed up.
This wasn’t only a group of people — this was the Cisco neighborhood in motion, embodying our ‘Folks First’ ethos. Understanding my love for music and my previous in a band, they despatched me notes, a conveyable document participant, and a TON of data — considerate gestures that really helped me push by greater than they knew. However greater than the items, it was their presence and solidarity that made the distinction.
They may not have realized the impression of their assist, however they honestly joined my workforce, serving to me combat an terrible illness that introduced me proper to demise’s door. Whereas any of them would humbly say they have been simply cheering me on, and that I used to be the one who fought within the trenches to beat most cancers — which is true — what’s equally true is that I couldn’t have performed it with out them. The truth that I’m right here, scripting this immediately is a residing testomony to the unbelievable energy of the Cisco’s neighborhood and tradition. Being right here immediately, doing work I like with the individuals who carried me by, means greater than I can say. It truly is tremendous good to be seen.
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