I've stared death in the face.

That might seem like an odd way to begin a story about my career at Cisco, but the truth is, I'm super happy to be here - and even happier to be alive.

When people see me and say, "It's so good to see you," I now respond with, "It's super good to be seen."

I work within Workplace Resources (WPR) alongside some of the most creative, forward-thinking people. I manage a small team responsible for the Americas, and we get to build and deliver some of the most fun examples of modern day corporate real estate. It truly is an integration of technology, imagination, and operations, all wrapped up in a bow of paint, carpet, and sheetrock. Though, in my experience, the true value isn't just in the design and innovation of the spaces; it's in the people that fill them.

I was with my wife (my bestie of 28 years) when I heard the news, "You've got cancer." After hearing those words, we cried endless tears, experienced moments of panic, desperation, and a gnawing fear as we faced the unknown. My kids were devastated, and our dogs even sensed something was terribly wrong. The funny thing is, at Cisco we do these profiles that categorize people with their top two stand out strength "roles." Mine are Pioneer/Influencer, so the world of the unknown is where I typically thrive, but to say the least, I wasn't thriving in the unknown environment of cancer.

The first visit with my medical team wasn't awesome. They are a great team of super smart doctors, but they also have to manage patient expectations. And although the odds were - and still are very much in favor of beating and surviving my type of cancer - the reality is, I would have to endure one of the hardest, most brutal treatments to get to the other side. I had a tumor at the base of my tongue with secondary sites in my lymph nodes on the right side my neck. The treatment plan was for seven weeks of daily radiation and seven doses of chemotherapy. The focus on my neck and throat is what would make this treatment so difficult. As the doctor put it, "We are going to take you right to edge"

It was a chilling warning, but it also revealed a profound truth. The human body is an incredible thing, designed to operate under daily demands as well as endure extreme conditions. And I learned that this endurance doesn't come just from me; it's amplified and extremely powerful when others gather with a common goal - that power grows exponentially.

While in the throes of treatment, a remarkable thing happened. My colleagues, teammates, friends, co-workers - no single title can truly describe them - they rallied. They stayed informed, thought of me constantly, some prayed, others sent good vibes and mojo. But beyond these individual acts, the most incredible thing was their collective presence. They showed up.

This wasn't just a group of individuals - this was the Cisco community in action, embodying our 'People First' ethos. Knowing my love for music and my past in a band, they sent me notes, a portable record player, and a TON of records - thoughtful gestures that truly helped me push through more than they knew. But more than the gifts, it was their presence and solidarity that made the difference.

They might not have realized the impact of their support, but they truly joined my team, helping me fight an awful disease that brought me right to death's door. While any of them would humbly say they were just cheering me on, and that I was the one who fought in the trenches to beat cancer - which is true - what's equally true is that I couldn't have done it without them. The fact that I am here, writing this today is a living testament to the incredible strength of the Cisco's community and culture. Being here today, doing work I love with the people who carried me through, means more than I can say. It really is super good to be seen.

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