Even as the Keep Pounding 5K transitioned to a virtual format for the safety of runners and supporters in recent years, corporate partners such as JELD-WEN have stepped up in a tremendous show of support for the Keep Pounding initiative. This year marks the third consecutive year of JELD-WEN’s co-presenting sponsorship of the Keep Pounding 5K, alongside Rodgers Builders. For JELD-WEN, the Keep Pounding fundraising initiative has tremendous employee support, with hundreds of JELD-WEN employees and their family members joining “Team JELD-WEN.”
Since 2019, Team JELD-WEN has collectively contributed over $71,500 to benefit cancer research and patient care at Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Contributions such as these help to ensure our patients have continuous access to cutting-edge clinical trials, the support of nurse navigators, and supportive oncology resources for cancer survivors and caretakers.
Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with JELD-WEN Chair and Chief Executive Officer Gary Michel (pictured), about his company’s passion for the Keep Pounding initiative and his vision for how JELD-WEN will help Atrium Health transform cancer care in our region.
Atrium Health Foundation: A cornerstone of JELD-WEN’s vision is to deliver excellence – a quality that we believe sets Atrium Health apart from other healthcare systems. What is your vision for JELD-WEN’s partnership with Atrium Health in pursuing excellence in cancer care?
Gary Michel: There are few people I know who have not been touched by cancer somehow, and our partnership with Atrium Health allows JELD-WEN to strongly support clinical breakthroughs to treat it. To me, our partnership extends JELD-WEN’s values-driven culture into the community. I know Atrium Health is committed to transforming cancer care for our region by offering novel treatments and clinical trials, comprehensive patient programs and meaningful support for cancer survivors. It is clear to me that Atrium Health is dedicated to improving every day and inspiring hope for cancer care through innovation. It perfectly aligns with JELD-WEN’s values, and we are proud to support this effort.
Atrium Health Foundation: For several years, JELD-WEN has not only been a presenting sponsor of the Keep Pounding 5K but has galvanized the company’s workforce in the fight against cancer. What has Team JELD-WEN’s involvement in the Keep Pounding 5K meant to your employees?
Gary Michel: Initially, a group of associates at the Charlotte headquarters formed a team to walk or run with their colleagues and families. The engagement and participation were impressive and have really grown over the years. It’s actually a highlight for my own family, as we have walked and run for the last four years.
For JELD-WEN, the Keep Pounding 5K is an opportunity for us all to support a great cause and collaborate in a way that positively impacts our families and communities.
Every year, Team JELD-WEN gets bigger, and last year, we even had virtual participation across North America. The involvement has been tremendous, and I think I speak for everyone in Charlotte that we look forward to being in person again this year – and running through that tunnel onto the Panthers’ field!
Atrium Health Foundation: On a personal note, what does the mantra of ‘Keep Pounding’ inspire in you?
Gary Michel: To me, Keep Pounding inspires a relentless pursuit of your goals. I’m incredibly proud that Team JELD-WEN has taken their dedication to improve every day and extended it to help improve cancer treatment in our region. There is hope for a cancer-free future because Team JELD-WEN ‘Keeps Pounding’ to raise money for cancer treatment and research.
To JELD-WEN Chair and Chief Executive Officer Gary Michel, and every member of Team JELD-WEN, we extend our deepest thanks for your continuous commitment to those who are fighting cancer with the support of Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Keep Pounding!