No Better Time to Give Thanks

As we enter the holiday season, I know many of us are eager to turn the page on 2020. There’s no question this year has challenged us all. We’ve seen individuals and families forced to adapt to a new world where social connections were more challenging to make and sustain. Many of us have lost count of the number of hats we’ve had to wear at the same time—parent, teacher, student, caregiver, patient, needed friend. “Overwhelmed” seems to be the word of the year.

But something special also happened this year. We’ve seen our organization pull together when our community needed us most. We’ve seen our caregivers lean in to get the job done while leaning on one another for support. In a year filled with uncertainty for so many of us, we’ve been the bedrock our community needs. We’ve been the caring hand they’ve looked to for comfort and aid in their most trying moments. In a time of greater disconnection and social fracture, we have come together as innovators, leaders, and—most importantly—healers. This year has truly been our finest hour. 

As I’ve told people repeatedly, this pandemic has met its match. I believe that more with each passing day. Thousands of caregivers stepped up into new roles. Others volunteered to go to the center of the pandemic’s storm in New York at the onset of the pandemic. Our Supply Chain team roared into action to ensure our teams had the PPE they needed. And our community pulled together to create five million masks for medical workers. Our EVS colleagues have had to reimagine not just how to keep people safe, but how to make them feel safe when visiting our facilities. These are just a few examples. There are thousands more that haven’t made headlines but have meant so much to our community.

If you’ll permit me to get personal, the last year also has been a rollercoaster in managing my own health. The path to my cancer being in remission hasn’t been the smoothest. Every step in this journey is a reminder that the future isn’t certain. Fortunately, I haven’t been alone on this journey. I’ve had the support of my wife, and my wonderful children. And I’ve been fortunate to receive encouragement and guidance from so many of you who are facing or have faced similar challenges. It reminds me daily that we all face our own challenges at home.

Overwhelmed? That’s exactly how I feel too. I’m overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude. I feel honored to call you all my colleagues and to lead this incredible organization. I hear from people every week who are asking how they can work with this amazing team of 40,000 people. That’s a testament to all of you. It’s truly my pleasure to get to work with you and to get to know more of you every day.