<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3zyLq5_1H1MCeZH00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3zyLq5_1H1MCeZH00" width="1024" height="1280" ><figcaption>Megan Bowlby, a local mother of three with a terminal breast cancer diagnosis. /File</figcaption></figure>Recently, I spoke to Community School of Davidson high schoolers about my career and passions, along with several other professionals. At the end, the panel was asked to share our best advice for the teens’ future aspirations. I told them, “Don’t burn bridges. Be nice to everyone you encounter. You never know what connection you’ll need in your life.”The rest of the panelists nodded in agreement, and later one student even quoted the statement as a key takeaway. If I’d had more time, I would have explained the importance of networking and nurturing connections, because those threads make up the safety net for your life.Sometimes the importance of community connections isn’t apparent until someone finds themselves in need – of a job, a grant, a ride, an introduction to the right person or simply a friend to listen. I’ve always been outgoing and interested in meeting and learning about others, which naturally influenced my career choice. When someone’s need and my knowledge of and relationships with people collide, that’s when I feel the greatest joy and sense of purpose.Somehow it all worked out organically this month. You may recall my October story for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Megan Bowlby, a mother of three with a terminal breast cancer diagnosis. I originally reached out to Megan hoping to connect her with some of the philanthropic business owners I have interviewed. That worked out incredibly well – The Serve in Cornelius will host and cater her 49th birthday bash.Then I interviewed Emily McGlon, board chair of A Giving Spirit Foundation, which provides financial support for mothers with debilitating or terminal illnesses. I told her about Megan, and she was able to get a grant approved through the foundation very quickly.Fast forward to the foundation’s fundraiser on Nov. 7, Bourbon &amp; Boots. I introduced a video Megan shared about living with her diagnosis and the impact of the AGSF grant. Her family was able to pay the fees for her daughter to join the high school basketball team, and the remaining money went toward their mortgage. As Megan succinctly said, “The bills don’t stop just because you’re sick.”Megan’s moving testimony, in turn, helped drive donations for AGSF. A photographer also volunteered to document her birthday party, and another fundraiser attendee is exploring an AI program to record her memories and wishes for her children.The article on Megan also inspired a group of women from the north Mecklenburg/south Iredell area, who offer prayers and financial support, to take up a collection for her.These community connections are what make life so rich, and watching more come together for Megan’s party on Friday, Nov. 20, will be nothing short of inspiring. That said, more help is needed. If you would like to participate, scan the QR code to visit the SignUpGenius for the party.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=097kN8_1H1MCeZH00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=097kN8_1H1MCeZH00" width="280" height="280" ></div></body>

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Recently, I spoke to Community School of Davidson high schoolers about my career and passions, along with several other professionals. At the end, the panel was asked to share our best advice for the teens’ future aspirations. I told them, “Don’t burn bridges. Be nice to everyone you encounter. You never know what connection you’ll need in your life.”

EDITORIAL: Community connections touch lives with ripple effect

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Recently, I spoke to Community School of Davidson high schoolers about my career and passions, along with several other professionals. At the end, the pane

EDITORIAL: Community connections touch lives with ripple effect

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