2023-February-03

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The Ultimate Finish Line: A World Without Cancer

BY CHRIS PHAIR · REGIONAL MANAGER, AMERICAS NETWORK TRANSFORMATION · UNITED STATES

WITH HELEN GALL

3 MINUTE READ · 5 MINUTE LISTEN

I began my career at Cisco when Tandberg was acquired by Cisco in 2010. I’d been with Tandberg for four years and was worried when a big company like Cisco took over.

I quickly found out that I had nothing to worry about. That feeling of family continued and only grew stronger.

I’ve now been with Cisco for over 12 years. I continue to love working here because of the people, the culture, and the passion we have to give back.

In 2016, Cisco launched its Time2Give program, making it even easier for employees to contribute their time and talent to make a difference in communities around the world. I am constantly hearing stories about employees doing good things, which I find so amazing and inspiring.

Every story drives my team and me to be better people and give back as much as possible.

Giving back is not only a way to help others in need. It’s also a way for my wife Michele and me to be good role models for our children and others. I have always said, “Being a great person will lead to great success.”

My family, many of our friends, and colleagues have endured many losses from cancer. It is a horrible disease that can affect anyone. In the United States alone in 2019, 1.7 million people were diagnosed with cancer, and over 600,000 died.

Years ago, the technology and medicine to fight cancer were not available. Through research and funding from organizations like Dana Farber, some of my closest family members survived the dreaded cancer diagnosis.

When I was 14 years old, I made a personal bucket list. One of those bucket list items was to run the Boston Marathon. Since then, my life has taken many different paths. Two of those paths are my family’s passions: Charity work and distance running.

By combining these passions, it’s my chance to really make a difference in the fight against cancer that has affected my family and so many others.

So, in the spirit of giving back, on April 17, 2023, I will be running the Boston Marathon on the Dana Farber Cancer Institute team. Together, we are running to raise funds to help fight cancer and help other families like mine have a fighting chance.

Many friends and family know I have been a long-time obstacle course racer, but injuries have sidelined me from this sport. Distance road running has never been comfortable or easy for me.

I can count on one hand how many times I have run over five miles at a time on the road. This is a huge physical and mental challenge, but running for those I love keeps me training and on track on this journey.

I have always tried to tie some form of fundraising to each challenge I put in front of me. This is the most important event that I have ever done, and it’s for such a great cause.

I run in honor of my family members and friends who have been taken from us or have survived this horrible disease:

• Michele Phair, wife (survivor)
• Alan Phair, father (survivor)
• Frank Phair, uncle (passed)
• Bill Phair, uncle (passed)
• Gerry Burn, aunt (passed)
• Pauline Lamontagne, aunt/godmother (passed)
• Linda Wilde, mother-in-law (survivor)
• Janet Frasca, cousin (passed)
• Cole Stoddard, friend (passed)
• Tony Stoddard, friend (survivor)
• Keith Duffy, friend (actively fighting)
• Viola Bernard, friend (passed)
• Michael DeSpencer, friend (survivor)

From Hopkinton to Boston, I will carry thoughts of these people every step of the way.

If you are reading this and would like to support me with a donation in my run to fight cancer, it would mean the world to me, my family, and every person fighting a cancer diagnosis. Employees can request a match through Bright Funds for any donation made.

Together, we're headed toward the ultimate finish line: A world without cancer.

Employee Resources

• Cisco Cancer Support Network
• Global Wellbeing SharePoint Site
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Our Impact - CSR & Time2Give
• Cisco Purpose Report 2022
• Careers at Cisco

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