The purpose of DWA CARES is to unite all charitable outreach efforts of DWA Healthcare Communications Group under, one, focused, mission and team. This team will take the existing corporate culture of community, action, responsibility, empowerment, and service and use it to foster leadership within the company, and hence the community. It allows for development of the individual employees who are leadership bound not only in the corporation but in the community. It will provide leaders and emerging leaders to take advantage of scholarships for special United Way leadership programs and training opportunities.
As this initiative matures, it will be seen as intrinsic to corporate culture, showing that DWA Healthcare Communications Group is a "company that cares".
As this initiative matures, it will be seen as intrinsic to corporate culture, showing that DWA Healthcare Communications Group is a "company that cares".
Andrea Houck: Leadership Chair 1
I care because when I served as the Camp Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I saw what a difference that week away makes to those children. It is a week where each child can feel like a "normal" kid. It is a week where for the first time, the only reason not to participate is one of own personal choice and not because of inaccessibility or their disability. It is a week to make friends with other children who can understand and relate to the struggle, pain, and fears that are faced each day by a child with a neuromuscular disease. My goal of becoming involved with the MDA was to try and make a difference in the lives of the children I came in to contact with but the reality is they are the ones who have made a difference in my life. These children have changed me forever–they are my heroes. I feel so honored to be involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the fight against neuromuscular disease.
Visit www.mdausa.org for more information.
I care because when I served as the Camp Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I saw what a difference that week away makes to those children. It is a week where each child can feel like a "normal" kid. It is a week where for the first time, the only reason not to participate is one of own personal choice and not because of inaccessibility or their disability. It is a week to make friends with other children who can understand and relate to the struggle, pain, and fears that are faced each day by a child with a neuromuscular disease. My goal of becoming involved with the MDA was to try and make a difference in the lives of the children I came in to contact with but the reality is they are the ones who have made a difference in my life. These children have changed me forever–they are my heroes. I feel so honored to be involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the fight against neuromuscular disease.
Visit www.mdausa.org for more information.
Jeri Ash: Leadership Chair 2
I care because at age 18, my sister was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As a freshman in college, this lifestyle change could not have come at a worse time. But her strength and desire to educate herself and others was inspirational. By volunteering one summer at an American Diabetes Association (ADA) Camp, she became a role model to children living with diabetes and later an educator to those treating diabetes. Together we volunteered for numerous ADA activities including the Kiss A Pig Campaign, the Annual Lilly Distinguished Service Awards Gala, and served on the steering committee for the Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes. I lost my sister in 2008, and participating in the American Diabetes Association gives me a chance to continue the fight for a cure in her memory.
Visit www.diabetes.org for more information.
I care because at age 18, my sister was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As a freshman in college, this lifestyle change could not have come at a worse time. But her strength and desire to educate herself and others was inspirational. By volunteering one summer at an American Diabetes Association (ADA) Camp, she became a role model to children living with diabetes and later an educator to those treating diabetes. Together we volunteered for numerous ADA activities including the Kiss A Pig Campaign, the Annual Lilly Distinguished Service Awards Gala, and served on the steering committee for the Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes. I lost my sister in 2008, and participating in the American Diabetes Association gives me a chance to continue the fight for a cure in her memory.
Visit www.diabetes.org for more information.
Jennifer Reklau: Leadership Chair 3
Philanthropy has always been an important aspect of my life. I care about United Way of Central Indiana because we are assisting individuals in our backyard. For the past 5 years I have been very fortunate to serve as the United Way Campaign Chair for DWA. Through this experience I have worked with amazing agencies such as TherAplay, St. Mary's Child Center, Second Helpings and the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville that address today's needs to reduce tomorrow's. I have also served on a Hamilton County United Way Committee to further focus on the needs of our community.
Visit www.uwci.org for more information.
Philanthropy has always been an important aspect of my life. I care about United Way of Central Indiana because we are assisting individuals in our backyard. For the past 5 years I have been very fortunate to serve as the United Way Campaign Chair for DWA. Through this experience I have worked with amazing agencies such as TherAplay, St. Mary's Child Center, Second Helpings and the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville that address today's needs to reduce tomorrow's. I have also served on a Hamilton County United Way Committee to further focus on the needs of our community.
Visit www.uwci.org for more information.
Bill Brooks: The Heroes Club
I care about The Heroes Club, which supports Law enforcement officers and firefighters who work 24 hours a day protecting Carmel families and businesses. If these real-life heroes are killed in the line of duty, we wish to ensure their dependent spouses and children have additional assistance. Because of this, The Heroes Club provides financial assistance, currently in the amount of $150,000, to the families of public safety officers killed in the line of duty in Clay Township and the city of Carmel. The Heroes Club also provides funds for grants to purchase police and fire equipment that saves lives and protects our community. I care, because they care.
I care about The Heroes Club, which supports Law enforcement officers and firefighters who work 24 hours a day protecting Carmel families and businesses. If these real-life heroes are killed in the line of duty, we wish to ensure their dependent spouses and children have additional assistance. Because of this, The Heroes Club provides financial assistance, currently in the amount of $150,000, to the families of public safety officers killed in the line of duty in Clay Township and the city of Carmel. The Heroes Club also provides funds for grants to purchase police and fire equipment that saves lives and protects our community. I care, because they care.
Joe Barrett: The O'Connor House
I care because as Chairman of the Board of The O'Connor House I get the opportunity to work with staff and volunteers as we provide housing for single pregnant moms and their families while they await the birth of their child. We give back to the community by providing the women of The O'Connor House; Shelter, Food, Clothing and so much more as the residents of The O'Connor House also receive training on Parenting Skills, Financial Management, Employment Skills and various educational degrees. Many of the past residents now volunteer and give back to the community as well! We are very excited that 2011 will find us moving into a new home! We began building in December 2010 and will be in before Christmas this year! Our new home will allow us to double our support to the young women and children!
Visit www.theoconnorhouse.org for more information.
I care because as Chairman of the Board of The O'Connor House I get the opportunity to work with staff and volunteers as we provide housing for single pregnant moms and their families while they await the birth of their child. We give back to the community by providing the women of The O'Connor House; Shelter, Food, Clothing and so much more as the residents of The O'Connor House also receive training on Parenting Skills, Financial Management, Employment Skills and various educational degrees. Many of the past residents now volunteer and give back to the community as well! We are very excited that 2011 will find us moving into a new home! We began building in December 2010 and will be in before Christmas this year! Our new home will allow us to double our support to the young women and children!
Visit www.theoconnorhouse.org for more information.
Theresa Jas: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Hello, my name is Theresa Jas and I care about Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I care because in July of 2008, my father was diagnosed with Acute myelogenous leukemia. After the initial tests were conducted, my father's received the news that he had a rare genetic disorder called FLT3 that decreased his chances of survival to 7%. My father was fearless and never lost his will to fight. He went through many discouraging treatments but always maintained his courage and faith. Sadly the disease was too strong and my father lost this battle. Not a day goes by in which I don't think of him. His story inspires me to continue his fight. Every September the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society hosts a walk in downtown Indianapolis to honor those individuals...those heroes… that have put up a fight against blood cancer. We light the sky with our balloons and we walk to remember, but most of all, we walk because we have hope. We have hope that one day, through education and research, there will be a cure that will save the lives of so many special people.
Visit www.lls.org for more information.
Hello, my name is Theresa Jas and I care about Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I care because in July of 2008, my father was diagnosed with Acute myelogenous leukemia. After the initial tests were conducted, my father's received the news that he had a rare genetic disorder called FLT3 that decreased his chances of survival to 7%. My father was fearless and never lost his will to fight. He went through many discouraging treatments but always maintained his courage and faith. Sadly the disease was too strong and my father lost this battle. Not a day goes by in which I don't think of him. His story inspires me to continue his fight. Every September the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society hosts a walk in downtown Indianapolis to honor those individuals...those heroes… that have put up a fight against blood cancer. We light the sky with our balloons and we walk to remember, but most of all, we walk because we have hope. We have hope that one day, through education and research, there will be a cure that will save the lives of so many special people.
Visit www.lls.org for more information.
Tiffany Garner: The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
I'm Tiffany Garner, and I care about the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America because it gives me a chance to increase public awareness about the disease and make a difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell. Did you know that 1 in 10 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait? I am personally dedicated to this cause because I have lost 3 relatives to this disease. I am extremely happy to give my time and talents to support my community to help fight Sickle Cell.
Visit www.themartincenter.org or www.sicklecelldisease.org for more information.
I'm Tiffany Garner, and I care about the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America because it gives me a chance to increase public awareness about the disease and make a difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell. Did you know that 1 in 10 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait? I am personally dedicated to this cause because I have lost 3 relatives to this disease. I am extremely happy to give my time and talents to support my community to help fight Sickle Cell.
Visit www.themartincenter.org or www.sicklecelldisease.org for more information.
Whitney Dahlstrom: Susan G Komen Race for the Cure
I care about the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure because my family has been personally effected by breast cancer. My mom is a 5 ½ year cancer survivor, and the support the Susan G Komen foundation has given my mom such a strong mindset, a positive attitude and the drive to keep fighting. Each year men and women gather at this event in hopes to one day find a cure for this devastating disease. The walk is something we look forward to each year. The survivors are honored by each year of their survival, and this past year we were so proud to see my mom move into the 5 year category.
My sister created this video for my mom this past year
Visit ww5.komen.org for more information.
I care about the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure because my family has been personally effected by breast cancer. My mom is a 5 ½ year cancer survivor, and the support the Susan G Komen foundation has given my mom such a strong mindset, a positive attitude and the drive to keep fighting. Each year men and women gather at this event in hopes to one day find a cure for this devastating disease. The walk is something we look forward to each year. The survivors are honored by each year of their survival, and this past year we were so proud to see my mom move into the 5 year category.
My sister created this video for my mom this past year
Visit ww5.komen.org for more information.
©2011 Deborah Wood Associates, Inc.
