Talkin' With a Partner: Lu Sipos of Gabe's My Heart

Some food for thought, before you scroll down: Lu Sipos fought the battle of cancer in watching her beautiful son Gabe struggle, and that’s why she is an inspiration to all.

Shilpi: Tell us about the organization.
Lu: Gabe’s My Heart educates families through cancer treatment and allows them to be more relaxed because they know what to expect.

Shilpi: How does this organization help the community in ways that some other organization can’t?
Lu: Because my son went through this, we realized the gaps in the services provided by hospitals.

Shilpi: What are the most significant accomplishments in the history of this organization?
Lu:

• Distributing chemo-ducks
• I’m still me – activity book
• Books for parents – parents to parents educational book
• Our program is in 30 hospitals nationwide

Shilpi: Why would people want to help and promote this organization in the community?
Lu: You know exactly where your donations are going. I like to make sure that people get letters and cards documenting what is going on with the organization.

Shilpi: What type of support would a volunteer receive in terms of references, recommendations, incentives?
Lu: We sign a documentation recognizing credit. I like to recognize them on the website and newsletter.

Shilpi: What does leadership and innovation look like for the next generation?
Lu: It will change so much because of the state of the economy and the way of the world. Children are taking control now. For example, my son is very interested in recycling, and I expect that children and teens are very much aware of environmental and political issues.

Shilpi: Albert Einstein once said, “Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence.” What were you seeking when you first started Gabe’s My Heart? And what do you seek now?
Lu: My personal experience had a large input; I never wanted anyone to feel the way I did. It was very parent-to-parent oriented. So, it is a very personal battle for me, and no amount of time has lessened my need to help.

Shilpi: When did you realize you really had something cool with the potential to go big?
Lu: It’s still growing on me; I’m really very scared to see how big this could be.

Shilpi: What’s one problem (local, global, anywhere) you’d like to solve?
Lu: I want every family to know that they are not alone during the harsh treatment.

Shilpi: And finally, what makes Gabe’s My Heart “cool”?
Lu: All of the wonderful people who make it what it is today.