LIVESTRONG: The People Behind the Name
Visiting the LIVESTRONG Headquarters in Austin, TX was one of the most memorable and inspirational experiences I’ve had to date. My journey to Austin began here in Chicago during last years CIW event, when I met LIVESTRONG CEO Doug Ulman.
A man with a giant heart and a contagious smile, Doug took the time to speak with me about the non-profit I helped start with my two best friends, The Fight Forever Foundation. After sharing similar stories about the struggles of starting a non-profit, Doug graciously invited me to visit the LIVESTRONG Team in Austin. Without hesitation I booked my flight, and was soon on a plane preparing to visit the most influential non-profit of our time.
I’ll never forget the energy that radiated inside the office when I arrived; it could have powered the entire state of Texas. I was surrounded by people who shared my passion for creating awareness and inspiring change, and I was overwhelmed with excitement. I first sat down to reconnect with Doug after last chatting in Chicago. During our conversation, he asked brilliant, thought-provoking questions and spoke with conviction and authenticity so genuine that I fought back tears at times. The transparency of information and emotion we shared was truly beautiful, and this exchange only further affirmed my reasons for visiting and putting the needs of others before those of myself.
My day had only just begun at 2201 East 6th Street and already I was feeling inspired and ready to take on new challenges. A tour of the beautiful office was next on the agenda, paired with countless introductions to smiling team members. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a couple key members of the team including the LIVESTRONG Chief of Staff, Director of Stewardship & Nike Partnership Relations, and Director of Engagement. All team members were collaborative, transparent and more than willing to share their invaluable ideas and experiences with me . The discussions that emerged as a result were by far some of the most profound and thought provoking I’ve ever been a part of. The meetings all seemed to mesh into one, with each session going well past its scheduled time, creating one empowering experience.
By the time the day was over I had met around a dozen team members who all shared my passion and will to fight. We had discussed strategies and hit on a variety of key points to help power our small non-profit moving forward. The entire experience was inspiring, and served as another reminder that good things can and will happen to those who put forth the effort. And now, more than ever, there is greater motivation to push harder and create more believers.
Thank you to Doug Ulman, the entire LIVESTRONG Team and Chicago Ideas Week for making this all possible. Having the privilege to see the inner workings of the most influential non-profit of our time was proof that organizations making a difference do exist, and that similar organizations can continue to grow and flourish by following in their footsteps.
A non-profit organization with the sole purpose and undying mission to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. They work both independently and collectively with other CF related organizations to identify the specific scientists across the world who are actively working on the means for a cure.
