Opportunities often come to us disguised as challenges.
We may not find them, much less look for them, because the pain we feel in the moment prevents us from seeing them. I know from experience. I’m guessing you do too.
I recently wrote an article Giving In the Workplace: Make It Work For Everyone. It focuses on the power of ‘giving’ and the role it plays in attracting, engaging and retaining the best talent. It’s no secret that Americans are among the most charitable people in the world. We want to help…especially when we’re faced with a challenge!
So, like many of you, I accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I accepted the challenge to use my voice as one way to contribute to the fight against ALS and support those living with the disease. I also had an even more personal reason: to recognize the amazing work my friend Kathy Bagby has done to raise ALS awareness in memory of her father Dennis Peiffer and others lost to the disease.
- Watch my challenge on YouTube: Ryan Siskow – ALSIceBucketChallenge
We’re making progress in the fight against ALS, but there’s still much work to be done:
- ALS can strike anyone and knows no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.
- Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year and it’s estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may be living with the disease at any given time.
- The onset of ALS is insidious with early symptoms including muscle weakness and stiffness. As the disease progresses, ALS causes weakness, wasting and paralysis of the muscles and limbs, along with those muscles that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing and breathing.
- Although the life expectancy of an ALS patient averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis, the disease is variable and many people live a full life for five years or more.
- There can be significant costs for medical care, equipment and home healthcare. It’s important to understand the details of your insurance plan as well as other programs including SSA, Medicare and Veteran Affairs benefits that may help defer costs related to treatment and care.
ALS is a disease that we can defeat if we all work together. Take a few minutes to learn more about people living with ALS. As one man put it, “I’ve made ALS part of my life…not my whole life.”
So, how can you help? ALS is just one of the challenges so many of us face. The opportunities – the need – to help and give back to our communities are endless. Here are just a few: The Walk to Defeat ALS, Habitat For Humanity, The Race for the Cure, The Hospice Foundation and The Clinton Foundation to End HIV/AIDS. For more information on other ways to give back, visit Volunteer Match.
Oprah Winfrey once said: “When you go to Nelson Mandela’s house, what do you take? You can’t take a candle.”
Giving is personal. Find your passion. Accept the challenge. Make it happen. It’s your opportunity to make a difference in the life of one person…or millions!
Until next time,
Connect, Collaborate and Create! ®
Ryan
connectcollaboratecreate.com 