Connecting the Dots

The Quiet Work Holding Us All Up

Best-selling author Michael Lewis has a gift for turning hidden systems into stories we can’t stop reading –  like The Blind Side, Moneyball and The Big Short.

His latest book turns that lens on public service by federal employees, but the deeper question is bigger than government: who are the quiet people doing the essential work for all of us that rarely gets applause? They’re closer than you think!

(Photo/Vitaly Gariev)

Impact Heroes

A Survivor’s Quiet Mission

When Bob Lane learned he had Stage 4 prostate cancer, he was alone and blindsided. Years later, with his cancer stable, Bob volunteers at the same hospital where he received treatment to make sure other men don’t have to go through their cancer journey alone.

He takes a hands-off approach, sitting by the clinic’s elevator a couple days a week in case anyone wants to talk – helping an estimated 500 patients and family members so far.

“I’m just someone who has been living with this for 13 years and is still here to talk about it,” he says. Bob hopes his story “gives someone hope on the worst day of their life.”

Click below to meet “Elevator Bob” and see what he also does outside the clinic!

(Photo/Bob Lane)

Your Stories

Comic Relief

Flying back home, our flight was delayed over four hours. Predictably, everyone waiting for the flight was getting antsy. In response, the gate agent went above and beyond to make us laugh. He joked about downloading a flight simulator to help us get home, and he brought up people from the gate (including kids!) to tell jokes.

What could have been a really lousy evening was funny and enjoyable because of this lovely gentleman.

Grateful (delayed) traveler

(Photo/Phuc Pham)