Awesome Support
If you’ve had an issue with one of our products or attended a webinar, chances are you’ve spoken with Elaine. She is the head of support and works with Kevin to help you, our customers, do what you need to do. I’m very impressed at how well Elaine works with the people that call in. At various points, I have worked the support lines and I know that I just don’t do that job nearly as well. I have a great deal of respect for people who do with alacrity what I cannot.
Elaine carries her support outside of the office as well. In September, she signed up to help raise money for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, and played goalie in a hockey game against (retired) Boston Bruins. This is the second time she has done this, but the first time that she was in the net against the Bruins (in the previous game, she was “traded” for the Bruins goalie to balance things a bit).
Here is a picture of Elaine at work:
the Bruins were rough on her. She made some good saves, but they scored pretty heavily – just as you might expect pro players to do on any amateur. I’m deeply, deeply proud of Elaine for doing this event. The team raised over $40,000 for the MDSC, and a lot of people got to see her working hard on the ice. Unfortunately, the power in the arena went out just before the end of the first period, so the game was called.
And while I don’t usually talk about personal issues on my professional blog, I’m doubly proud of her because my older child, Alice, has Down syndrome. The MDSC has done a great deal to help educate my family and my extended family. Without their resources, I don’t think that we would have the tools to manage the present or have so hopeful a view of the future for her. Stepping up and getting involved in this event speaks volumes for her caring and commitment, and I appreciate it greatly.