I had to write a letter today to Gary Forsee, CEO at Sprint.
It read:
Dear Mr. Forsee,
My name is Morgan Erickson. I have been a Sprint employee since December of 1996, having started with Sprint PCS in the Accounts Payable department.
In December of 2002 my daughter, Allie, then 2 years old, was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. It was quite a life-changing event for our entire family, but everyone at Sprint was very supportive.
A little over 4 years later, she was diagnosed with celiac disease, an intolerance to gluten (wheat), found in almost every food product, at least those that taste good.
Her life has been one struggle after another, especially considering her age. She has always been brave, though, with little complaint.
Sometime in early 2007 we received a letter from The Dream Factory here in Kansas City. My oldest daughter, Torrie (14), had submitted Allie’s name to have a dream fulfilled without anyone’s knowledge. That dream was to meet Cinderella. Allie’s dream was to be granted.
In May we traveled as a family to Kissimmee, Florida for a week’s vacation. We stayed at the Give Kids The World village.
As you may know, Give Kids The World (GKTW) is a non-profit organization designed “…to ensure that no child would ever be refused their one special wish.” Built with love, and generous corporate gifts & sponsorships, GKTW provides weeklong vacations for families of terminally ill children.
During our orientation at GKTW, I was surprised to be informed that Sprint provided the long distance services for the families so that they could keep in touch with home at no cost to them. I was happy to work for a company that would do such a thing.
Upon our return, I was reading the book “Gift of Life” by Henri Landwirth, founder of GKTW, that detailed how GKTW came to be. I was awestruck to learn that corporate sponsorships to GKTW are not lined with red tape and subject to legal contracts, but built on trust and handshakes. It further amazed me to learn that corporate sponsors aren’t allowed to place their logos all over the place at GKTW, rather there are few places where corporations are mentioned and most are unknown to the guests at GKTW.
That is what struck me the most. I’ve never been more proud to work for a company that provides a corporate sponsorship. I understand the purpose of sponsorships. I know that the ad exposure from them can be immeasurable. I know that product placement can bring customers and additional revenue to the bottom line.
I also know that good deeds done with no need for recognition are far more precious to those that are on the receiving end.
I never imagined that I would be in a position where my family and I would be the recipients of so much love, time, talent, and giving, but I am grateful that there are people and businesses that give and ask for nothing in return. I saw so many children during our week there that faced so many challenges, physical or otherwise, that would not have had this type of opportunity were it not for the gifts of money and time from so many caring companies and individuals.
I don’t know whose decision it was to provide Sprint’s sponsorship to Give Kids The World. I probably never will. I do know, however, that it helps to change the lives of sick kids and their families everyday and I wanted to say thank you.
Thank you for these small gifts that add up to something greater and affect the lives of sick kids all over the world.
As the father of one of these children, thank you so very much.
Morgan Erickson