This Mother’s Day, the first-ever Kids for the Cure: UnitedHealthcare
Dash to Make a Difference was held at the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for
the Cure. From the lead-off parade to holding the finish-line tape for all ten
heats, I had the opportunity… the privilege… to be a part of it all.
If you read my April 24th blog, you have an idea of the visions
the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate and UnitedHealthcare had as we developed this special
event. Those visions were certainly
brought to fruition… as I knew they would be. Going into the Dash day, I knew
those youngsters, aged 3-12, would touch my heart. However, one thing I didn’t
see coming was a life-long lesson that 300 boys and girls “dashing to make a
difference” taught me in all of 30 minute’s time.
I know most of you reading this are career-driven professionals. From
the first step you took on your chosen professional path – dating back to high
school – it’s been ingrained in you to strive to lead, not follow. Never make a
decision unless it is an informed decision. Never act until you weigh the pros
and cons, and think through all possible outcomes. These are the golden rules
of success in work and in life.
Or, so I thought. Then on May 13th, 300 children said to me, “No, Sue, not
always.” The Dash started in the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Funfest Tent on
the Race site. A drumline led the children from the tent to the Dash site,
while parents cheered encouragement. The majority of kids didn’t know exactly where
they were going – but they anticipated something great on the other end. Most
of them, even at such a young age, knew they were doing something to help fight
the disease that struck mom, grandmom, their teacher, aunt or friend’s mom –
although they didn’t know exactly how. They never met those drummers leading
the parade, nor the other children walking in front of them – but they trusted
them to lead the way. They didn’t push to get to the head of the line… they
were all having fun and it was good enough for them simply to sense that
whatever they were doing, it was important.
At the Dash site, more lessons presented themselves. I watched parents
direct their children to the volunteer holding the sign displaying the
appropriate age. The children, trusting mom and dad unconditionally and seeing
another friendly face surrounded by kids like them, joined their designated
group. I held the finish-line tape, looking down the 40-yard grass alley at
dozens of eager faces all wanting to get to me and the medal awaiting them. Not
one of them was weighing the “risks”… to them, there weren’t any.
Each time that horn blew to start a heat… the feeling was inexplicable
to see those children on their way. I assure you, they weren’t analyzing the
best strategy to get to their goal. Many of them, especially the younger ones,
weren’t even concerned about coming in first. Their only “objective” was to get
to the finish line… their only strategy was to run their hardest and do their
best.
Certainly, I’m not suggesting important life decisions should be made
without careful consideration, or that we should always be content to follow.
But we all do need to find opportunities in life when we can enrich ourselves
by following, instead of concerning ourselves with becoming the leader… when we
can simply let go of “so much thinking” and be satisfied with knowing we’re
doing our best… when we can have a little, safe fun. All these things make for a happier,
healthier life – at ANY age.
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| Sue Schick cheers on young "Kids for the Cure" in the UnitedHealthcare Dash to Make a Difference |
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