They say you can’t pour from an empty cup, but what if your “cup” is filled by chasing soccer balls, art supplies, and hope, all while working for a company that has your back? My journey as a mom to a teenager with chronic kidney disease is anything but typical, and the support I’ve found at Cisco is just as extraordinary.
When Life Changes OvernightI In 2019, everything changed for my family. What we thought was just a stubborn case of the flu quickly led to an ER visit for pneumonia and the unexpected diagnosis of Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease for my daughter. Suddenly we were navigating surgeries, endless appointments, and the stark reality that her kidneys would never fully recover.
Today, her kidneys function at less than 15%, and despite corrective surgery slowing the damage, she is now actively seeking a kidney donor for transplant. This critical step offers her the chance to stay on the field as a competitive goalkeeper, skate, continue school, and keep chasing her dreams of becoming a lawyer without the shadow of kidney failure or dialysis slowing her down.
Avery is the heartbeat of our family — a kid who faces every challenge with grit and a smile. When I say she’s “cooler than I could ever hope to be,” I mean it. She’s determined not to let her illness define her, despite the constant doctor’s appointments, missed school days, and more than a few detours from the usual teenage life. Her resilience inspires me every single day.
When I learned Avery was approved for her Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii, I reached out to my Cisco team to share the news and request time off with barely any notice. Not only did they rally to cover my work, but they also made it clear: “Be with Avery. We’ve got you.” For ten days, I was able to be fully present with no emails, no meetings, just making memories with my daughter.
That kind of support isn’t a one-off at Cisco, but when you experience it firsthand, it’s unforgettable. It also reinforced just how many resources I’ve leaned on throughout my time here:
Living in Kansas City, where there isn’t a physical Cisco office, hasn’t stopped me from finding connection. In fact, I’ve found a local tribe of KC Cisconians.
During Cisco’s Global Week of Giving, several of us gathered for a day supporting Children’s Mercy (Avery’s care team), assembling “Happy Kits” for patients like Avery. Knowing my colleagues care about a cause so precious to me means everything. That feeling of community and purpose is real.
Being a parent to a child with a chronic illness is a lesson in resilience, vulnerability, and gratitude. The flexibility and understanding I’ve received at Cisco have allowed me to be the mom Avery needs while still growing my career. I never feel like I’m choosing between my family and my work; the two are in harmony because of Cisco’s culture and benefits.
I’ve gained confidence, knowing that my company genuinely cares about my well-being, not just my productivity. On the days when the school calls or Avery’s health dips, I don’t panic. I know I can be there for her, and that sense of security is priceless.
As a strategic marketing manager in Cisco’s Digital Impact Office, I get to tell stories about how technology changes lives. But the story closest to my heart is my own. My daily work is richer because I understand firsthand what it means to need support, flexibility, and empathy.
Cisco isn’t just a tech company; it’s a family. It’s a support system that values people, not just productivity. Here, I get to be a marketer, a mom, and a caregiver, and I never have to choose between them.
Working for Cisco means I have the freedom to take care of my daughter and myself without fear or guilt. Every time I open my laptop, I know my leaders and teammates truly care — not just about the work, but about the people behind it.
If you’re wondering what makes Cisco different, it’s this: You’re empowered to bring your whole self to work and to bring your best self home. For anyone facing the unknown or supporting a loved one through chronic illness, know that you don’t have to do it alone. At Cisco, you’re surrounded by colleagues who care, leaders who listen, and resources that make a real difference.
If you’re looking for a company that supports you through life’s toughest moments — and celebrates the best ones — you’ll find it at Cisco. Explore careers now.
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