Denbow loves to support our team’s passions both in and out of the office. We love it even more when these passions take the form of giving back to the community. Below you will find a story written by one of our employees’ fathers, highlighting our Administrative/Marketing Assistant Madison as she works to take on the BMO Marathon in Vancouver this summer. While this feat alone is a powerful one, she is running it to bring awareness to something very special. Read on to see just how meaningful this marathon will be.
“My daughter, Madison, absolutely loves working at Denbow. As in, LOVES it! And I absolutely love my daughter. She’s a writer, educator, runner, loving wife, a parent of two cats, and an all-around awesome human.
Madison will soon run the BMO Vancouver Marathon in May – her first marathon. And her Denbow team is behind her 110%. I was delighted when asked to share a bit about her inspiration behind this massive undertaking.
Madison’s uncle, my big brother Rick, is her inspiration. You see, Rick is a bona fide hero. I’ll explain why.
Rick died suddenly in May 2022 from a massive hemorrhagic stroke. He was only 58, with much more life to live and love to give. He was an outstanding soccer player, an inspirational manager, and a fun-loving big kid. A humble but essential contributor in life. He loved deeply and was deeply loved. We were devastated when he passed.
But the circumstances of his passing put Rick in a very rare position – he was a candidate to save and enhance lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
He saved two lives via organ donation, restored sight to two people via cornea donation, and enhanced the lives of many others through tissue and bone donation. This experience, and the brave people who helped us through it, gave our family priceless comfort during a very dark time. It also gave us a new life mission.
Inspired by our experience, and Rick’s heroism, we turned our grief into action by helping other families find the same comfort and pride during their darkest times. We did this by partnering with US-based Donate Life Northwest (DLNW). DLNW offers valuable education about organ, eye, and tissue donation and encourages those who wish to donate to sign the national registry. My wife and I are avid volunteers, eager to share our story and educate people about organ donation.
When Madison decided to run the marathon, there was no question she’d do so in Rick’s honor. And by doing so she’s raising awareness about the life-saving wonder that is organ donation. She has pledged that for every mile she runs preparing for the marathon she will donate $1 to DLNW to help educate and empower more donors and bring hope to the thousands waiting for transplants.By the way, Canadians in every province can learn more about organ donation and join the registry by visiting Organs & Tissues for Life.
Madison’s mother and I live just south of the border in Washington State, and we’ll be there with bells on to root for Madison as she runs in honor of her Uncle Rick and to raise awareness about organ donation. Join us!
Thanks, Denbow, for allowing me to share our story and for supporting Madison. Our family is grateful.
Go, Madison, go!”
Madison’s dad is John. He’s a not-famous lifelong musician and a wonderful writer. Best of all, he’s a loving husband and proud father who has worked tirelessly to ensure a beautiful life for his wife, daughter and all members of his family.
