At the same time as occasions round our world appear to change into ever extra unfathomable, there may be nonetheless a really robust sense of that human spirit that surfaces typically sufficient to supply reassurances, at the least to me personally, as to what the long run holds. I’ve labored for Cisco for over sixteen years now, typically in and round our companion group right here within the UK&I. To my thoughts, that Cisco Companion group may be very particular, and one which I really feel privileged to be a part of.
In 2017, a member of that group, Kevin Donaghy started an sudden journey. After 18 months of hospital visits, surgical procedures, and in the end being cleared of melanoma pores and skin most cancers, Kevin acquired the devastating information, simply earlier than Christmas in 2019, that the most cancers had returned. He was recognized with stage 4 metastatic melanoma —an incurable and life-limiting situation.
As he started therapy, the world went into lockdown as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Already feeling remoted by his prognosis –Kevin didn’t know anybody else with melanoma –he was now additionally bodily separated from a lot of his help system.
A Level of Connection
Looking for connection, he started sharing his story in on-line help teams and met folks whose lives had been straight or not directly impacted by most cancers. By means of these conversations, he found that loneliness on the level of prognosis is a typical expertise amongst most cancers sufferers. This realization impressed him to put in writing ‘Stories of Cancer and Hope,’ a e book that compiles 39 private tales, together with his personal, to assist others really feel much less alone.
The Energy of Partnership
Kevin was working for Ingram Micro UK and subsequently Comstor UK, two of Cisco’s largest distributors, on the time. He had robust relationships with lots of the tier 2 companions, Cisco Scotland, and the Cisco UKI companion staff. When ‘Stories of Cancer and Hope’ was revealed, a lot of these companions together with Commsworld, IT Worx, 4MS, Softworx, Datavita, Barrier Networks, Simoda, and Intelys got here collectively and raised £21K to sponsor the distribution of his e book.
Ricky Nicol, founder and deputy chairman of Commsworld, is a most cancers survivor himself and was moved by Kevin’s mission. “What Kevin is doing is so inspirational,” Nicol shared. “I was delighted to contribute my own story to his book, and Commsworld is equally proud to have provided the funds to get Stories of Cancer and Hope published.”
Nicol’s expertise with throat most cancers deeply impacted him and his enterprise. “When I was diagnosed, cancer was often seen as a death sentence. I was told my chances of survival were only 50-50,” Nicol recalled. “But I recovered, and my cancer journey ended up changing the direction of the business I ran for the better.”
“Our contribution ensured that people affected by cancer have access to stories that inspire and uplift, reminding them that they are not alone in their fight. We believe that these stories will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many, providing strength and solace in difficult times.” Kathryn McMullan, Barrier Networks
By means of partnership and shared function, Kevin was in a position to distribute and donate, for free of charge, over 7,500 copies of his e book, exceeding his preliminary goal of 1,000 copies, to 90 most cancers charities, help teams, and therapy facilities throughout the UK and Eire, together with 24 Maggie’s centres. Maggie’s is a nonprofit most cancers care supplier with a community of centres offering free sensible and emotional help to folks with most cancers and their households. Due to the great work they do, Kevin additionally chosen Maggie’s to be the beneficiary of any proceeds from the sale of his e book, and raised consciousness of their impactful work on UK nationwide and native media channels.
“We are so grateful to Kevin for choosing to support Maggie’s and for raising awareness of the care we offer. The donations have enabled Maggie’s to offer our vital support to more people with cancer and their families.” Adam Feder, Maggie’s Head of Company Partnerships
“All this would not have been possible without the collaboration and sponsorship from my community of Cisco partners and other sponsors. I know our book is helping people not feel alone, and I am so thankful to everyone who gave their story, time, love, and sponsorship to this endeavor,” stated Kevin.
4 and a half years since his prognosis, Kevin is delighted to say that his most cancers is below management. “Although it is life-limiting and incurable, my family and I have been given more time to spend together and to enjoy life.”
It’s laborious to know precisely how anybody of us would possibly withstand such a life problem as Kevin, his household and mates, however via his story it’s clear not solely does he encourage that robust sense of human spirit and generosity, however he additionally teaches us one thing crucial about all the time dealing with forwards.
Learn Kevin’s Tales of Most cancers and Hope and be part of this excellent endeavor!
Go to our SalesConnect website or e-mail us at Partneringforpurpose@cisco.com
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