TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER FIRM-WIDE WEBINAR
In support of our commitment to help colleagues better support one another , we hosted a firm-wide webinar focused on learning to identify , understand , and respond to mental health and substance-use challenges and to connect colleagues with helpful resources . The webinar , “ Mental Health Matters : Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other ,” was led by Jessie Spressart , founder and managing director of Optia Consulting . The program included an overview of mental health challenges and provided practical tips and techniques to help participants feel more comfortable reaching out to people who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or seeking help if they are struggling themselves . Webinar participants also learned how to practice self-care to support one ’ s own mental health .
BLANK ROME ’ S OFFICES PARTICIPATE IN LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY LIGHT THE NIGHT WALKS
Led jointly by Blank Rome ’ s Well-Being and Community Impact teams , last Fall all our U . S . offices participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society “ Light the Night ” walks . The walks united firm colleagues in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ’ s efforts to bring light to the darkness of cancer across the country ; raised awareness of blood cancers and resources ; and raised funding for lifesaving research , advocacy , and support for blood cancer patients and their families .
Our team captains in each office rallied walk participants and donors alike . The walks brought our communities together to celebrate those who are fighting cancer and to honor those we have lost . Participants walked with different colored lanterns to symbolize their connection to the cause : white for cancer survivors , red for supporters , and gold in memory of a loved one who was lost to cancer .
“ The 2023 Light the Night Walk was the second walk in which the Chicago office participated ,” said Karin H . Berg , an attorney in our Chicago office and a member of the Well-Being leadership group and Chicago Walk Captain . “ The walks not only raise awareness and funds to eliminate cancer but provide an opportunity to engage with our colleagues in a meaningful way . I raised high a red lantern in support of my father-in-law who continues his fight against cancer . The sea of colored lanterns against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline was indescribable !”
Princeton attorney and walk co-captain Jonathan M . Korn , a member of the Well-Being leadership group , added , “ Light the Night was an opportunity to support a great organization that is raising money and awareness for leukemia and lymphoma . What I did not expect was how impactful the walk would be for me and my family — hearing from cancer survivors and walking alongside hundreds of supporters and survivors , all with lanterns held high . I look forward to future walks and continuing to build bonds within our local and firm communities .”
“ Cancer is personal to me because I am a cancer survivor ,” commented Multimedia Marketing Manager and Los Angeles Walk Co-Captain Jennielyn Abrot . “ During my year-long chemotherapy treatments , radiation , doctor visits , and surgeries , I could not imagine how children could go through this . I am encouraged that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , through its research , is striving to make children ’ s treatments safer and more effective .”
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