At EnableComp, giving back to the communities in which we live and work is at the heart of what makes us proud to be part of this amazing organization. Through our committee meetings and charitable giving projects, we have been able to engage the voices of our people and focus our efforts in multiple capacities on what matters most to us. This quarter, we chose to focus that spotlight on cancer, by supporting the largest nonprofit funder of blood cancer research and global leader in the fight against cancer – the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Since 1949, the LLS has been lighting the way for patients and their families, and has invested $1.5 billion in cutting edge research, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are saving the lives of many. Their work touches the lives of patients worldwide, as they pioneer research at nearly 100 medical institutions across the globe for every type of blood cancer. Most recently, over the last five years, LLS helped advance 75% of the almost 100 FDA-approved blood cancer treatment options.
At EnableComp, we have a personal connection to this cause within our work family, and we asked Patty Penuell, VP of HR, to share her story with us:
“My daughter, Olivia Penuell, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), two days after her 4th birthday. ALL is a blood and bone marrow cancer which progresses rapidly. Olivia was classified as high-risk and as a result had to undergo intense chemotherapy for 2.5 years, which included both inpatient and outpatient treatment. She lost all of her hair three different times throughout treatment; experienced over 30 lumbar punctures (spinal taps) and dozens of oral and IV medications that often made her feel more sick. This was the most difficult time in our lives to watch our 4-year-old fight for her life. We feel so blessed that Olivia’s treatment saved her life, and I am thrilled to be able to introduce her to EnableComp, as she has recently joined our Revenue Services team!
During Olivia’s treatment we were introduced to LLS and many of the wonderful programs and fundraising initiatives that they sponsor. As a family, we participated in four Team in Training Cycling Century events (100-mile rides), four Light the Night events, two Man and Woman of the Year events, seven Annual Regattas and the Student of the Year program. We wanted to support the incredible organization that had contributed so much to the research and advancement in the fight against cancer that helped save Olivia’s life and millions of others who have recovered from a form of blood cancer. Despite the progress that has been made in the fight against cancer, there is still much to do.”
In support of Olivia, Patty and so many others, we came together to form one EnableComp team, where we invited everyone to share their own stories and walk in their local Light The Night – an LLS fundraiser that aims to drive out the darkness of cancer through a network of events happening all over the country.
At Light The Night, participants shine a ray of hope with their lanterns to celebrate, honor or remember those touched by cancer – white for those who are survivors, gold for those who have lost their battle, and red for all those patients, families and friends still fighting.
This truly empowering display of light and warmth reminds us how many of those around us are affected by cancer, and inspired our people to dig deep in support of this important mission. Together, EnableComp raised an incredible $7,025.00 to help fund cancer cures!
It remains our goal to continue to support those in need in our local communities, as EnableComp historically has been driven by the core value to make a difference by giving back. We are so proud to highlight the mission of LLS, where “beating cancer is in our blood”!
Our team page will remain open through the end of 2022 – click HERE to join us!