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Gratitude
This story begins in early 2009. Tim Flahaven, owner of Fleet Feet (www.fleetfeetcolumbus.com), came to my cardiology practice office for a business visit. Tim knew we would soon be able to hire an employee. He felt he knew the perfect person to be Walk with a Doc's Executive Director. Despite being a busy mother of two and running another business, Kathryn listened to the job description, strongly believed in our mission and started her tenure shortly after meeting the board's unanimous approval.
What started with one walk site is now 52 (2011 had 1492 WWAD events with >44,000 participants) - all established under Mrs. Stephens' guidance. Kathryn has constantly shared how inspired she has been working with our physicians around the world. So much so that she frequently shared her desire to enter the medical field. I'll be honest, unlike with our college interns, I tried to dissuade her. I felt that starting a new career with a young family would be difficult. In addition, everyday our staff and I witness an exceptional talent helping facilitate healthier lifestyles on a global stage. Our board as well believed she would be doing a greater good through the humanitarianism she has displayed with Just Walk - selfish, we are aware.
Well, unbeknown to us, Kathryn took and "crushed" the MCAT's (97th percentile) and has accepted the offer to become a member of Harvard Medical School's 230th class (http://hms.harvard.edu/hms/home.asp); entering on August 17th, 2012.
Kathryn shared the news with me this past Monday morning and the rest of the staff after Monday's lunch. Despite the somber mood at Walk HQ this week, she has continued to maintain the enthusiastic professionalism she is known for.
Kathryn has generously agreed to stay on with us until early August, when she and her family will be relocating to Arlington, Mass, a suburb just west of Boston. Kathryn, all of us are forever indebted for your undaunted commitment, your countless sacrifices, and your unlimited generosity. I have no doubt you will become an exceptional physician that will continue to make us all proud. I don't know if there's a better compliment than to tell you that, as we begin our search for a replacement, we will be looking for someone with qualities as similar to you as possible. If you feel you've been affected by Kathryn and want to share well wishes, she can be reached directly at kathryn@walkwithadoc.org or by snail mail at the address listed below, c/o Executive Director, Kathryn Stephens. Stay hungry. Stay foolish. david
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