The Sounding Board

Giving to Those in Need

Seven years ago, our country learned the importance of giving to fellow Americans in their time of need. On the anniversary of 9/11, I think it appropriate to continue to seek out ways to give to others, on whatever scale possible, to whichever cause presents itself.

I’ve recently been presented with a cause and need affiliated with one of my day-to-day business partners. Apptix is a SpeakerBox client we believe in, admire, respect and trust. That is why our hearts have gone out to Joe Hoffman, an Apptix employee who has been the recent victim of a brutal crime.

Last week, Joe and his fiancé Jen Hall were attacked in the South Loop of Chicago. Jen had just started a new job and doesn’t yet qualify for Joe’s employee benefits (since they aren’t yet married), thus unfortunately falls into the unlucky loophole of being without medical insurance .... which is terribly ill-timed since she has suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), multiple tooth loss and a Femoral Nerve block in her lower left leg, all as a result of the unprovoked attack. Since the incident, a 501 (c) (3) charitable trust fund has been set up to help offset Jen’s medical costs .... which have already skyrocketed to more than $100,000.

As a show of support to SpeakerBox, Apptix, Joe Hoffman and Jen Hall, please visit www.thewalkingmiracle.com to learn more about Jen’s injuries and consider giving to the charitable trust fund that will help cover the medical procedures that have saved her life.

-Julie Buckley