FINDING STRENGTH IN FAMILY , FRIENDS , FAITH AND WORK FAMILY
My wife has been an absolute MVP through this journey . And my friends , family , church family and colleagues have been incredible . They ’ ve swarmed me with love , prayer , and emotional and financial generosity . And as far as Cox goes , I felt unconditional support from day one . When I talked to my manager , his first concern was my welfare . He said , “ We are here for whatever you need .” And when I spoke to my director and senior vice president , they said the same thing . They gave me the assurance I needed to focus on myself and my family , and I needed every ounce of that positive energy . The people who report to me cheered me on and gave me valuable reminders I wasn ’ t in this fight alone . It took a weight off my shoulders at a time when my doctors told me to remove stress from my life .
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I know it ’ s not easy to ask for help . But sometimes that ’ s the most courageous thing you can do .
WORDS OF ADVICE FOR COLLEAGUES
I know it ’ s not easy to ask for help . But sometimes that ’ s the most courageous thing you can do . If you ’ re embarrassed to seek support from CERF , put that fear aside . I was afraid too . But I had an incredibly caring colleague who knew the large medical bills we were facing , and she urged me to apply . We aren ’ t here to judge one another , we ’ re here to support one another . I worked for Cox when Hurricane Katrina hit , and I lost everything like so many people did . Even then , Cox fed and housed several of us , found us work in another region and made sure we never missed a paycheck .
When I say Cox is there for you , it goes beyond words . You are not just an employee or number , you ’ re a part of the family . For me it goes back to what Governor Cox said : “ If you take care of the people the people will take care of the business .” That was brought to life for me in 2005 and it ’ s an idea that ’ s very alive to me now .
Learn more about CERF on the back cover of this edition of InSide Cox magazine .
( Top ) Stephen after finishing his six initial rounds of chemotherapy
( Middle ) At the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge , La ., with three of the six nurses who assisted and encouraged him throughout his treatment
( Bottom ) Stephen ringing the victory bell . “ I had tears in my eyes believing I was finished with everything , not knowing I had nine more rounds to go before I would be 100 % cancer-free ,” he recalls .
Value Every Voice is a regular feature where Cox employees share their unique story in their own voice . If you ’ d like to tell your story , email us at InSideCox @ coxinc . com .
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