Fortune Has Named Two AT&T Employees “Heroes of the 500”
Fortune has named two AT&T employees to its “Heroes of the 500” list for making incredible sacrifices with no reason other than to make the world a better place. AT&T is the only company to have two employees on the list.
We first introduced AT&T employee Mike DelPizzo to you last Veteran’s Day. Some veterans’ families can’t afford to buy a funeral urn for the cremains of their departed loved ones. Mike read that cemeteries often bury those cremains in a cardboard box. So he spends his free time making wooden urns in his home workshop. Mike’s created hundreds of urns to thank veterans for protecting our country. We’re proud of his service and excited that Fortune is spreading his story to inspire others. Read Mike's story on Fortune. Watch the video above.
Fortune also chose AT&T employee Paula Kok as one of its “Heroes of the 500.” After waiting helplessly on the donor list for bone marrow, her husband was spared by a life-saving experimental treatment, but Paula’s experience waiting for a donor got her thinking. She decided to give what she could so that at least one person wouldn’t have to go through that experience. Her only request: pay it forward. Paula donated a kidney to a stranger and started the nation’s longest donation chain. So far her gift has touched the lives of 39 people. "I am grateful to work at a company that allowed me to telecommute," Paula said. "I didn't have to delay the surgery and I was back to work a week later. My team and boss made it easy for me. And I felt great." We’re so proud Paula performed such an act of service for her community. Read Paula's story on Fortune.
Paula (right) and her kidney recipient
These are just a couple of examples of the kind of people we have here at AT&T. Keep up the great work, Paula and Mike!