Breast cancer affects many of us, either personally or indirectly. This statement hits home for Royal Bank as one of their own, Jill Walker, loan assistant at the bank’s Elroy branch, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
The news came with mixed emotions of disbelief, devastation and a strong desire to beat it.
“It took a while for the doctor’s words, ‘You have breast cancer’ to settle in,” said Walker. “After giving it some time to absorb, I began doing research, talking to survivors and taking in as much information as possible to equip myself with the tools to beat this.”
Thankfully, the outlook is positive for Walker, who completed her last round of radiation treatment Nov. 3.
To express support for Walker and others who have been affected by breast cancer, Royal Bank employees rallied together to raise funds through the month of October for a cancer organization of Jill’s choosing. To raise funds, Royal Bank held a Pink Out Campaign, giving employees the option to pay $2 to wear jeans and/or the color pink every Friday in October.
Collectively, Royal Bank employees raised an impressive $1,275 in honor of Jill. Many employees, and even some customers, went above and beyond to show support for their fellow co-worker with an additional gift.
After close consideration, Walker chose to support H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Everyday), which has helped her during treatments. This organization serves the communities of Elroy, Hillsboro, Kendall, La Farge, Ontario, Rockton, Wonewoc, Union Center, Valley and Yuba. Their mission is to assist cancer patients, provide education and fund cancer research.
“On behalf of H.O.P.E., I would like to thank Royal Bank for their contribution”, said Rozanne Novy, board member. “This gift will touch more people than you can imagine. Without people like you, we can’t help those in need.”
In addition, each of the bank’s 16 locations displayed a large pink ribbon on their front door or front window to show support.
“We all felt compelled to support Jill in some way, and the timing was very fitting for this,” said Jack Heding, president. “We were able to celebrate the end of Jill’s treatments and visually and financially show support for her fight during Breast Cancer Awareness month.”
“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my Royal Bank family,” said Walker. “I am so very blessed to have such supportive co-workers and friends to keep my head up and keep me moving forward.”
“Royal Bank congratulates Walker on her extraordinary strength and recovery,” said Natalie Adams, brand development manager.
