Whilst occasions round our world appear to turn into ever extra unfathomable, there’s nonetheless a really robust sense of that human spirit that surfaces usually sufficient to supply reassurances, not less than to me personally, as to what the long run holds. I’ve labored for Cisco for over sixteen years now, usually in and round our associate group right here within the UK&I. To my thoughts, that Cisco Accomplice 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 remedy, the world went into lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Already feeling remoted by his analysis –Kevin didn’t know anybody else with melanoma –he was now additionally bodily separated from a lot of his assist system.
A Level of Connection
Searching for connection, he started sharing his story in on-line assist teams and met folks whose lives had been instantly or not directly impacted by most cancers. By way of these conversations, he found that loneliness on the level of analysis is a typical expertise amongst most cancers sufferers. This realization impressed him to jot down ‘Stories of Cancer and Hope,’ a ebook 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 associate workforce. When ‘Stories of Cancer and Hope’ was printed, lots 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 ebook.
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 way of partnership and shared function, Kevin was in a position to distribute and donate, for free of charge, over 7,500 copies of his ebook, exceeding his preliminary goal of 1,000 copies, to 90 most cancers charities, assist teams, and remedy 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 assist to folks with most cancers and their households. Due to the fantastic work they do, Kevin additionally chosen Maggie’s to be the beneficiary of any proceeds from the sale of his ebook, 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 analysis, 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 arduous to know precisely how anybody of us may resist 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 essential about all the time going through forwards.
Learn Kevin’s Tales of Most cancers and Hope and be part of this glorious endeavor!
Go to our SalesConnect website or electronic mail us at Partneringforpurpose@cisco.com
We’d love to listen to what you suppose. Ask a Query, Remark Under, and Keep Related with #CiscoPartners on social!
Cisco Companions Fb | @CiscoPartners X/Twitter | Cisco Companions LinkedIn
Share: