A significant source of pride for Atlas employees is the chance to make an impact in their jobs. Sometimes, that impact exceeds expectations.
Recently, colleagues at the March Air Reserve Base (RIV) in Riverside County, California helped support Amazon’s mission to fight childhood cancer.
Every September as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Amazon partners with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO) to help raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research. Through its Amazon Goes Gold for Kids with Cancer campaign, young children battling cancer can participate in a number of activities and events throughout the month. A gold ribbon is the universal symbol for childhood cancer.
(L-R) Alejandro Guzman, Andrea Espino and Ray Earls
Atlas’ Maintenance Manager, Ray Earls, along with Station Supervisors Andrea Espino and Alejandro Guzman, supported Amazon’s efforts by giving a young girl battling leukemia and her family a tour of the RIV warehouse and the flight deck of a 737.
“This child is going through something unimaginable,” said Ray. “It was important for all of us to give her and her family an opportunity to enjoy themselves and perhaps take their minds off of her diagnosis for a moment.”
“We applaud Amazon’s efforts to give back to the community and support the fight against childhood cancer,” said both Andrea and Alejandro. “We’re very grateful that Atlas can join in to help make a difference.”
Participating in a day like this touched the hearts of all those on site, but for Ray, the significance of this event hits very close to home.
“This was an emotional day for me, because my wife is currently battling breast cancer,” he said. “I’ve had a front row seat to the fight against cancer, so the opportunity to help do something fun for this family during this challenging time was incredible.”
Ray notes the impact that a day like this can have on a child battling cancer.
“This is a day she will never forget, and I promise you, when we were up in that airplane, she wasn’t thinking about being sick. That’s gold.”
