Saturday, March 29, 2008

ToddAndGenerosity

During the middle of last week, Todd Andrlik and I were swapping e-mails about how we should collaborate on promoting "Talk Like a Pirate Day" in September. Silly stuff. On Friday morning, I (among Todd's other blogger friends) woke up to an e-mail from Todd explaining that his sister Tricia would require immediate major surgery. He asked simply for ideas to raise money to help the family pay for the exorbitant costs associated with such a procedure and the lengthy treatment that will follow. Serious business.

When I arrived at the office, I sent an e-mail to the Mullen PR team explaining the situation, and I asked that before the day's events begin to take over their lives to think about Todd's sister and offer their ideas. To Todd, I hope even one of those ideas is helpful, and to the Mullen PR team, I can't thank you enough for stepping up and responding as you did.

I don't have to explain to anyone how quickly life can change. We've all experienced it. But it was refreshing to witness the depth and breadth of human kindness I saw yesterday. That said, Todd is an extraordinary young man who personifies generosity. Just look at his blog to see how much of himself he pours into it for our collective benefit. Because of who he is as a person, the heartfelt response to Todd was not surprising. There were many bloggers, most of whom have far more reach than I, who really stepped up. It was wonderful to watch.

As many of you know, Tricia's surgery is scheduled for today. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and consider reaching out to your team next week. Ask them to read Todd's post and visit 4Tricia. Anything they could offer will be deeply appreciated. You can donate at 4Tricia, send ideas to Todd via e-mail, or leave your ideas as comments on his post so as to trigger others to respond as well. Every little bit helps.

Mother Teresa once said, "We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love."

6 comments:

  1. Thanks again, Leo! You're a great friend!

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  2. Leo,

    What a touching story. I have a lot of sympathy for Todd's sister. I just emerged from a bout with prosate cancer, so your observation about life changing overnight struck home.

    Thanks for relating this story.

    Mark

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  3. These situations touch us all at some point in time. Mark, I hope you continue to do well. Todd noted on Twitter that all went smoothly today with the lengthy, complicated operation. Let's wish Trisha all the best in her treatment and recovery.

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  4. Hey Leo - I have some more time now, so I wanted to write more. Last night, I read through every detail of every suggestion that your team wrote and they were all fantastic ideas. Mullen is a clearly a very talented agency and your clients are lucky to have you!

    We'll be considering many of your great ideas, but I wanted to let you know that late last night I launched the Pixels 4 Tricia promotion at 4tricia.com. Kami Huyse and Shannon Whitley sprang into action and helped put it together (Shannon's amazing!).

    When you have a chance, please head over to 4tricia.com and check out the Pixels 4 Tricia page. Would love to see a pirate image up on the grid someday! ;)

    Thanks again to the Mullen team for all your support and ideas! You rock!

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  5. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tricha and Todd.

    Great job Leo & Mullen team!

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  6. Thanks Martin. We're a small thread in a very large tapestry, but that's what makes it all work!

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