AUGUST 30, 2016COACHVICKY3 COMMENTS

When we realized the seriousness of the cancer and what lay ahead of us, Richard took the wheel.   

ADRP 6- 22 defines an Army Leader as “anyone who by virtue of assumed role or assigned responsibility inspires and influences people to accomplish organizational goals.” 

Richard took the leader role, put a holistic team together, assigned responsibility, and led with inspiration.  I’ve always known what a great leader Richard is but to see him focused on this project showed me the depth of his commitment and his determination for success.  

He told me his mission was to save my life. 

He contacted clients and either cancelled or postponed work for June and July because my surgery was accelerated with the discovery of the second cancer. 

He asked our clients to respect my privacy and they did.  His influence in asking others to maintain my privacy greatly facilitated my recovery.  I was just not ready to share this with many people. 

The Holistic Team he put together covered mind, body, spirit.  Team members included the Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon, Oncologist, Christian Counselor, Nutritionist, Physical Therapist, and Primary Care Physician.  For those people we encountered that used a more traditional approach to cancer, I believe they were surprised at the inclusion of a counselor, physical therapist, and nutrition on this team.  I believe Richard’s holistic approach has influenced others to look beyond the medical component in treating cancer. 

Our insurance company provided a Case Manager who has helped us navigate the insurance side of this.  

And then, Richard became my Cancer Caregiver for every aspect of my physical and emotional healing.  That is another story …

-VhS