In Heartfelt Reflection: A Message from our CEO

Body

Today, after much reflection and prayer, I write to you about recent events. As a child, I lived with my family in a mixed-race neighborhood in downtown Detroit. I witnessed the 1967 riots with a child’s confusion and fear. Today, with the innocence of my youth gone, I weep. I mourn with you in the reality of darkness and inhumanity in which we find ourselves. I am personally filled with remorse, as I know this suffering does not fall evenly. 

Firstly, I speak for this organization and personally: My sincere condolences to the grieving families suffering with the agony of loss. I especially acknowledge the collective agony of people of color in this nation. I hold deep empathy for individuals in need and recognize the systemic oppression, and the ignored, forgotten, and exploited members of this society. I see it; it is dreadful. 

Let us kneel with those seeking justice for the chilling deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others through the sacred act of peaceful protest. Solidarity is not about, “I’m helping you,” but it is a real commitment to walking with you and learning together. We must be a group of people affirming and supporting each other in true and open vulnerability, with the unyielding purpose of bringing about real change and a brighter future. 

As the preeminent global research hospital in our field, we have a responsibility to lead — to support our patients and staff through words and actions. So let me declare unequivocally: Racism is wrong, hatred will not prevail, and discrimination in any form has never been and never will be acceptable — it will be rooted out with light and unity. To our black and brown colleagues: you are brave, you are beloved and you are family. We love you, and we lean forward with our shoulders together, today and always.

My own human dimension is formed by faith and hope, and I am boundlessly optimistic — motivated by purpose in life and love of “neighbor” in the broadest sense of the word.  When I came to RIC 30 years ago for residency training, it was because I wanted to work with a vulnerable and disenfranchised group of people who happened to be patients struggling for their futures. Moreover, then, as today, some of the most beloved members of our team included people who were disabled, LGBTQ, and of color. I grew up here — living the tenets of equality — and was shaped by how our founders aligned RIC’s mission with the Civil Rights Movement for equal access. In 2009, when we set out with courage and a community of support with our vision to reimagine RIC, we accomplished what some said was impossible — and we built Shirley Ryan AbilityLab on the same foundational tenets of acceptance. This is who we are — 70-years-old and 3-years-young — our DNA.

To advance human ability, we must embrace humanity with love, empathy and compassion. These values define us — they are alive in action, in policy, and in our walk, 24/7, nonstop.

So how do we begin? 

The first step is to face it, to step into it, to find strength to stand in it together. An enemy only has power if we fight by its ugly terms. Instead, we must push through the messiness, and even chaos, with the weapons of selflessness and truth — in the service of love, and seek with a sincere heart to see the good that can come from these mighty trials facing us now. 

We must work together against the tides of COVID and evil out in the world, a marathon that we cannot win alone. Meaningful experiences together are more compelling than all that divides us, and during times of loss and uncertainty we seek others out. Let’s seize this moment during which great bonds can be formed! Society’s happiness will not exist in untroubled or perfect days ahead, but in the presence of acceptance of ourselves as human brothers and sisters, with outstretched arms of unity and courage, just when we need them most.

The rash of terrible news can leave us on the verge of despair. But what is this use? Evil and darkness seek our despair! However, they can be overcome with light — light is more powerful and able to pierce even the darkest of recesses in which hate can hide. May we stir the flame of love and self-control, and share the unequal hardships and suffering with testimony to and strength of unity. Central to true unity is love, sharing and understanding each other, find security in our vulnerability together, nurturing that growing light that lifts hope and melts hatred. 

Racism is not born, it is learned. We are teachers. May we teach our children and ourselves to see everyone as our teacher. Those people who have admirable qualities can inspire us and we can copy them; those with destructive qualities can remind us of what we do not want to become — ways we do not ever want to act — and help us correct ourselves.  

When we meet kind people, we can recognize feelings of gratitude and use those people as role models to inspire our own kindness and generosity. We can also learn from unkind people. Knowing how we feel when criticized or faced with hostility, we can remember how sensitive others are and resolve to treat them gently. We can also practice forgiveness and experience how much better this feels than smoldering with resentment. 

Our basic human need is not what we can offer each other, but who we can BE for each other — through kindness, patience, gentleness, trust, love ... and many other ways. We are called to give our very lives to each other now and to show this to our children, who are more and more of mixed heredity, fostering a true community of acceptance and love. 

Life is an ongoing journey of choices, surrendering the old and trusting in new beginnings. Love and service to each other are the hallmarks of a peaceful life, and faith and prayer are indispensable in times of crisis. May we see blessings right now and work toward a future where love rules as the only premise by which we teach our children to relate to other human beings.   

May we begin to look at not what is seen, but see what is possible; to not look on the fear and despair of the present, but to a future of light and love. May all our hearts be opened to build a community that offers unconditional support, and let go of judgment, indifference, hatred, and blindness. If we do these things, we demonstrate and build hope with the young generations and the promise of a better future in their hands.

To every member of our team: thank you for coming to work day and night (at times risking your safety) to share your talents, to give selflessly and lovingly to our patients, and to serve as a crucial member in this mission. We have cultivated this organization by a special formula that is truly different — a place of peace, love, dignity, integrity and respect for all humans. I give you my word that we will continue to show — to live — our commitment to these values every single day. 

Our better future is not an impossible vision! Change must start some place. We’ve done it before, let’s us do it again, let it begin with us.

At 12 pm/noon on Monday, June 8, please join me in the Sky Lobby, or wherever you are at that moment, to take a knee in silence for 8 minutes + 46 seconds. Together, let’s honor George Floyd and commit to actions that will help build a brighter future.

With my open ears, open heart, and an optimism for our future, I am grateful to the Holy One — in whom I find meaning, learning, and love to share and live by. I remember you, members of this family, constantly in my prayers, night and day.

Sent with Love,    

Joanne