Inspired

I am sitting at the bedside of my friend. She is waiting to go in to have her port removed.
We were here 13 months ago to get it put in. In that time she has had chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
It’s a story many with breast cancer patients would be familiar with.

In that 13 months I have witnessed incredible strength and fortitude.
Not only has she dealt with cancer, she has done so in a way that can make one forget what she is going through.
She has maintained her house, cared for her family and rescued a puppy.
She has also continued to lead a 31,000 member diverse union with nearly 100 independent Locals, guided us through the Janus decision, increased membership engagement and increased our membership by 1000 members in this post-Janus environment. She has been a force in state politics, influenced national labor policy (serving as an AFT VP), and served internationally as a representative of Public Services International.

Any one of these accomplishments would be remarkable.
All of them together, at the same time as battling cancer, is nothing short of amazing.
And inspiring.