We are more than a company with a mission, we are a mission with a company. We live by "Changing Lives through Service, One Person at a Time." This starts with our people, because we know if we take care of them, then our guests will get the best.  Our "We See You" initiative is there so we focus on highlighting things that matter most to our local VIOC Community (our people-employees and guests), and are kicking that off with a long time wish to "close the circle" by raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

        In May 2003, our eldest daughter Anna was diagnosed with ALL.  That same year in October, my sister gave us the news that she had Lymphoma. Tim, our CEO and Founder has a sister who had ALL at age 18, and his father died from complications related to CML.  We know blood cancers. The journey has been tough, but we are blessed. Anna and our sisters are still living, and Anna has worked hard to rise through the ranks and serves as the Operations Manager for our business.  She is now 26, but we lost friends along the way, and the long term effects can't be ignored.

        We have 9 children, and at the time Anna was diagnosed, her brother Ted was 1 1/2 years old.  He currently plays for DC United, and as a sibling of a child who went through ALL treatment, knows firsthand what that journey entails.  His own agent, Chris Pontius' dad had lymphoma.  This has more connection and meaning than I can even convey in a few short paragraphs, but I hope this is a good start.  

        Thank you all so much for the opportunity to honor all of our heroes, big and small, living and legend.

Dorothea Ku-DiPietro | Chief Marketing Officer

    Your support will help fund the therapies and treatments and help save lives today. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

THE DARE TO DREAM PROJECT: powering innovative research, new, safer treatments, support services, and advocacy...for kids.

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS research but patient services, advocacy, public and professional education, and community services as well. On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support!

For more information about LLS, please visit lls.org

For more about our story, please visit: https://www.amomslastlecture.com/post/when-your-child-is-diagnosed-with-cancer