Leidos CARES for cancer survivors
Illustration: Mary Delaney
Leidos is taking a stand against cancer through technology innovation, community partnerships and employee care.
One of these efforts is the Cancer Advocacy Resource & Emotional Support (CARES) network, a volunteer-led support group for Leidos employees who have been touched by cancer.
Why you should know: Sunday is National Cancer Survivors Day, an opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting those fighting this horrible disease.
We spoke with several members of CARES about their journey, finding solace among fellow survivors and their message to others.
Gisele Moro, Leidos VP for Enterprise Risk and Business Transformation, said breast cancer completely changed her life. Through CARES, she found connection and understanding among others who have experienced the disease’s many tolls.
“There are some experiences in life that you really don’t know what it’s like until it happens, like having children,” says Moro. “Cancer is one of those experiences, and being in a group with others that know exactly how you feel is amazing.”
Moro said she advises newly diagnosed patients to bring loved ones to appointments, prioritize self-care and surround themselves with a positive and supportive network.
“The key is to stay positive,” she said. “The worst thing you can do is take away hope.”
Abigail Bortnick, Leidos Assistant General Counsel for International Regulatory Compliance, said the most challenging part of her cancer journey is the uncertainty of whether or not it will come back. However, she said this uncertainty has given her the benefit of perspective that drives her to prioritize self-care and time with family.
“It’s okay to be scared and it’s okay to laugh,” says Bortnick. “There are no rules about how to deal with difficult times, and your needs may change from day to day or week to week. Surround yourself with people that will allow you to feel your feelings. And ask for help when you need it.”
Linda Derrick, Leidos Senior HR Specialist for Onboarding Services, said although it might sound cliché, her cancer journey has taught her more than anything to live in the moment. She also emphasized the importance of timely and proactive screenings.
“Don’t wait!” says Derrick. “I noticed something was wrong during my monthly self-check. I went to my doctor immediately and began treatment within a month. If I had waited until my next screening, I wouldn’t be here today. If you sense something isn’t right, don’t be afraid to go to a doctor. Be afraid not to get checked. The earlier, the better.”
Laurie Denny, Leidos Program Manager, found that her breast cancer diagnosis refocused her perspective on life and serves as a constant reminder that tomorrow is never promised. She added that her cancer journey has motivated her to help others by openly sharing stories and offering support.
“I hope people continue to talk about cancer in the workplace,” says Denny. “The more people talk, the more comfortable individuals who are suffering will be to talk about how they feel, what they’re going through and how others can help. We need to make the topic of cancer more accepted and less secretive. It happens every day and should not be a taboo subject. I’m so thankful that Leidos encourages this conversation.”
The data says: According to the most recent data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States alone, or more than 5% of the population.
Cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease, but cancer deaths have declined for years thanks to organizations that support new treatments, better screening and other support.
Leidos impact: Leidos is actively involved in the fight against cancer through Leidos Biomedical Research, which operates the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research.
Leidos also supports cancer research at the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Center for Scientific Review, Office of Extramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and All of Us Research Program.
The company has also supported a number of charities that are part of the ecosystem that helps people navigate their cancer journey, including American Cancer Society, Hockey Fights Cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The Children’s Inn at NIH, Make-A-Wish, Flashes of Hope and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.
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