2020-September-23

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A Cut Above the Rest

BY ANDRES MARQUEZ · FIELD SALES REPRESENTATIVE - APP DYNAMICS · UNITED STATES

Did you know that every 2 minutes, somewhere in the world, a child is diagnosed with cancer? That equates to 300,000 children diagnosed each year.

In the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease — more than AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies, and juvenile diabetes combined.

My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lungcancer in 1999, and passed away a year later. During her battle, she shared a hospital room with a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

I experienced firsthand the physical ups and downs of her cancer treatment and the psychological effects from being diagnosed with cancer. My mom’s hospital roommate lost her battle six months later, just two weeks short of her 15th birthday.

It was this experience that shaped my passion to give kids with cancer hope for a cure and a normal life.

Five years ago, I was introduced to The St. Baldrick’s Foundation — the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, besides the U.S. government. So far they’ve funded $300 million throughout 29 countries globally for this crucial research.

When you donate to them, you don’t just give to one institution — you give to more than 379 that treat kids with cancer across the U.S. and beyond.

Helping Kids Like Scott

It was through St. Baldrick’s that I met 12-year-old Scott Lefenstey and his mother, Nancy.

When he was only three years old, Scott received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

After taking more than 1,500 pills and completing more than three years of chemotherapy, he’s now able to do things in life that he’s missed out on, like playing basketball, gaming, and riding roller coasters.

An active childhood cancer advocate, Scott has spoken at various events on behalf of kids with cancer. He’s also spoken to legislators in Washington advocating the need to fund childhood cancer research. His personality and zest for life is infectious and inspiring, he loves life, and takes nothing for granted.

Scott is the reason why our teams with the help of Cisco match funding have raised over $35,000 towards childhood cancer research.

Lend a Head

This year, on October 9, hundreds of Cisco employees across U.K. India, RTP, Richardson, and San Jose will join me to support St. Baldrick’s Foundation in our biggest head shave event yet.

So far, we’ve raised $7,000 of our $20,000 goal … and that’s not including Cisco match funding! With your help, we can do even more. You can show your support and donate to one of our Cisco/AppD teams, volunteer as a shavee or create your own team.

Don’t forget to join us for the virtual shave event on October 9. We promise you’ll have some hair-razing fun.

Related Links

• Make a donation then request a match through Bright Funds.
• The St. Baldrick’s Foundation
• Cancer Support Network
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

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