TQL pushes beyond $1 million in giving to American Cancer Society
TQL’ers set company push-up record as part of Cancer Awareness Month
By Shannon Russell and Molly Koweek
TQL exceeded $1 million in giving to the American Cancer Society since 2010 and shattered a company record for group push-ups along the way.
By banding together to donate $83,664 (including a match from the TQL Foundation) as part of Cancer Awareness Month in October, TQL’ers raised funds to combat cancer and pushed the company past the $1 million milestone.
TQL presented a check to members of the American Cancer Society during a Push for a Cure patio party at Cincinnati HQ Oct. 29.
WATCH: TQL’ers Jill and Josh share their stories of healing during Cancer Awareness Month
Cancer Awareness Month, an annual TQL Cares campaign, is a cause TQL’ers are passionate about. TQL has hosted events like a ninja warrior competition and a truck-pulling contest in prior editions and is no stranger to push-up challenges.
In 2015, TQL’ers set a Guinness World Record for the most people doing push-ups (734) simultaneously, besting a Guinness record set by 615 participants in Bangalore, India.
This year’s goal was to beat the TQL record, and employees delivered. More than 1,400 TQL’ers, friends and family members from 60+ TQL locations united to do the exercise together for 60 seconds.
The Push for a Cure patio party included an appearance by the University of Cincinnati Army ROTC and a Bring Sally Up push-up challenge. Twenty-five TQL’ers nominated by their teams competed in the challenge.
TQL observed Cancer Awareness Month in other ways big and small, from lighting HQ’s exterior facing I-275 with the words “Fight Cancer” to the employees who wrote personalized tribute cards honoring loved ones. The cards were displayed prominently in all TQL offices nationwide.
Cancer touches everyone, including TQL’ers Josh and Jill. Read on to discover their stories and the impact TQL has made on them and their families.
Josh’s story
Josh H. gained a new perspective when his mother, Sandy, survived a three-year battle with breast, colon and skin cancer.
“It was hard to be optimistic when someone you love so dearly has cancer three times in such a short time span,” said Josh, an LTL Customer Service Coordinator. “It really does change our outlook on just about everything.”
He threw himself into a support role, shaving his head with other family members and helping his mom through treatments. The family dubbed Sandy a “two-time champ” after she beat her second cancer, only to discover she had a third - skin cancer.
Sandy persevered through that treatment, too. She has been cancer-free for two years.
Josh continues to fundraise for his mom’s favorite cause, Volley for Good, which is part of the Pink Ribbon Good campaign. He mentioned his mom’s story to a TQL Women in Logistics leader and was floored when that conversation led to TQL Cares support at a charity-themed volleyball match.
Some TQL’ers volunteered at the event, which was held at a local high school, while others participated in a bake sale at TQL’s West Chester office. The TQL Foundation matched 50 percent of the fundraising.
Josh remains deeply touched by the gestures and grateful for the support he has received from his coworkers.
“When I had an idea, it was heard and passed around to see if it could be a reality,” Josh said. “I’m at a company where they’re going to take an idea and run it to the end zone and bring me along.”
Jill’s story
Invasive ductal carcinoma. The three words sent Jill K. on a path to 16 rounds of chemotherapy and a fear-filled journey as she pictured her two kids’ lives without her.
“I just couldn't imagine not being there for them, so that was my biggest motivator,” said Jill, a Senior Logistics Account Executive.
Doctors diagnosed her with an aggressive form of breast cancer on Aug. 23, 2023 when she was 43. Just over a year later, cancer free, she attended the American Cancer Society’s Lights of Hope event at TQL with her daughter.
“I feel like that helped me heal when I didn't even know I needed to heal because I was finally on the other side in being able to help someone else,” Jill said.
From the beginning, Jill knew she had the support of her TQL team. Coworkers sent her flowers and gift cards after her first round of chemo.
As her hair grows back following her double mastectomy, Jill understands the importance of raising awareness for cancer. Now, she is sharing a warning about the importance of self-exams and routine mammograms.
“You know your body the best, and if you feel like something's off, don't ignore it. Get it taken care of. Get it looked at,” Jill said.
Cancer affects everyone. To work for a company dedicated to the fight, view TQL’s job openings.
