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INTER The Magic Behind a Mission

An Interview with Pat Williams, Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic

When you undertook writing your latest emotionally, so I talked with a publisher who book, The Mission Is Remission, what was agreed to do the book. It took six months to get it your vision for the book? together, and I feel good that it’s out now. I was diagnosed more than three years ago The fact is that one out of two men and one and, like everybody else who is informed that out of three women will deal with cancer in this they’re dealing with cancer, I was stunned. The ini- country – those are not good odds. Pat Williams tial thought is it’s a death sentence. You don’t feel What was the origin of the six points you good physically and it’s a devastating experience. address in the book? EDITORS’ NOTE Pat Williams was promoted to his As the weeks went by, I began to think that Dr. Robert Reynolds, a highly regarded oncol- current post from the position in there was a reason for this. As a man of faith, it be- ogist in Central , sat me down and explained April 1996. He also serves as the promotional leader came clear that I had been called into a different what was happening. I had the typical questions: and strategic marketer for memberships at the RDV world, and I didn’t want to waste this opportunity. What caused it? Why did I get it? What did I do Sportsplex. Prior to joining the Orlando Magic in I think every family in America has been touched wrong? How long will I live? He said that their job 1986, he spent 12 seasons as General Manager of by cancer. is to keep those affected alive long enough to ap- the . Earlier, he spent four years ply new research and forms of medication that are as General Manager of the and one , which has since happened. year with the before returning to Then he said, you’re going to do very well Philadelphia. with this. He was a sports fan and a long-time Although Williams has spent over four decades resident, so he knew of me. He then listed these in professional , his fi rst love is , The fact is that one out six points, which comprise the meat of the book. the sport that gained him a scholarship to Wake First, he reminded me to write and speak on Forest University, where he received a bachelor’s of two men and one the importance of optimism and an upbeat spirit – degree in physical education. He went on to earn that positive attitude is very important in fi ghting a master’s of science degree in physical education this disease. from Indiana University. Williams’ professional out of three women The second point is fi tness. I was in good baseball career began with the Philadelphia Phillies shape physically, which is relevant because there in 1962 and he spent two seasons catching for the are physical demands that come with the treat- Marlins. He moved from the playing fi eld to will deal with cancer ment. The cutoff age for a stem cell transplant at the front offi ce, when appointed Business Manager a Florida hospital is 65. I was 71 and they waived of Miami in 1964. He then assumed the General the age limit because my heart was strong enough. MORE REASONS TO BELIEVE Manager position with the Spartanburg Phillies in this country – those Without that transplant, I would not be here today. and was elevated to the position of President of that Dr. Reynolds’ third point relates to faith, IN HOW MUCH BETTER YOU CAN BE. organization in 1967. He has written more than are not good odds. which is vital. He has observed that patients who 85 books, including his most recent which deals are anchored spiritually do much better. Health enhances. Health enriches. Health inspires. Health is what makes everything else in life possible. with his battle with cancer, entitled The Mission Is Fourth is the love and support of family. We And at Greenwich Hospital, it’s our commitment to helping you realize all that’s possible in your life. Remission. have 19 kids and 14 grandchildren, and this dis- ease has pulled our family together. We bring you a quality of personal care and a level of patient satisfaction few hospitals have achieved. The mission of the The fi fth point is having employees who are ORGANIZATION BRIEF In fact, Greenwich Hospital is recommended by patients more than any other acute care hospital in the Orlando Magic (nba.com/magic) is to be world The initial fi t for me was in counseling people. your teammates. He emphasized that this is very valu- champions on and off the court. Orlando has won Calls started coming in from those who wanted able, and I have found this to be so true. Most of those Tri-State Area.* And as part of one of the country’s most advanced health systems, Yale New Haven Health, fi ve division championships, had seven 50-plus advice, and those continue to this day. I didn’t real- around me are young and they just want to help. we can deliver today’s most advanced science and technology to our patients. At Greenwich Hospital, win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference ti- ize there were so many cancer organizations that The fi nal point he made is that I had been tle in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, the Orlando wanted board members and spokespeople, and I investing in Orlando from the time I fi rst arrived that’s the new world of possibilities health can bring to you. THAT’S THE GREENWICH HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE. Magic gives more than $2 million annually to was offered many speaking opportunities. there more than 25 years ago, and that this in- greenwichhospital.org its local community by way of event sponsor- Then came the fundraising – every organiza- vestment was about to pay off. The community, ships, donated tickets, autographed merchan- tion dealing with cancer is in major fundraising media, and everybody I had the fortune to touch dise, scholarships, and grants. Their community mode. I have agreed with Florida Hospital to help through my involvement in basketball have been relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 raise $25 million to build a multiple myeloma cen- right there with me through it all. * Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers youngsters each year, while a Magic staff-wide ter in . So if there was a thought Do you think your fi ght against cancer and Systems (HCAHPS) initiative provides more than 6,000 volunteer that the closing years of my life would be relaxing, will have even more of an impact than your hours annually. Over the past 22 years, more forget it. I have to step up and do it. sports success? than $17 million has been distributed to lo- I wasn’t ready to share my story until about The cancer legacy will dwarf anything I’ve cal nonprofi t community organizations via the a year and a half ago. I felt then that I had a fi rm done. There isn’t any bigger issue in this country. Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF-MFF). grip on what was going on and where I was We have a great deal of work to do.• 90 LEADERS POSTED WITH PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LEADERS MAGAZINE, INC. VOLUME 37, 3

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