Every fall, Ryan Companies’ 17 offices across the country participate in the “RyanGivesBack” Campaign, a week focused on giving back to the communities in which they are located by volunteering and fundraising.
Last year, the Des Moines office chose to support On With Life in honor of an employee who was served there. Brian Clark, who has worked at Ryan Companies for six years, suffered a stroke on May 27, 2021. After surgery and several weeks in the hospital, he was admitted into On With Life’s inpatient program where he began his rehab journey.
“Before that fateful day in May, many of us didn’t understand what a stroke was or the impact it could have on an individual, their family, friends and loved ones,” said Heidi Pollmann, the Senior Marketing Manager for Ryan Companies’ Midwest Region. “Even fewer of us understood the amazing resource our community has in On With Life.”
During Brian’s inpatient stay, a few of his fellow employees were able to visit him. Brian introduced them to staff members, showed them around the therapy grounds, and explained to them the different ways the grounds are used for therapy. Help was needed in the grounds so as it came time to plan the 2021 RyanGivesBack Campaign, On With Life was the perfect fit!
“We wanted to honor our friend and give back to an organization that has given him, and thus us, so much,” said Heidi.
On October 19, 2021, the team spent the day in the On With Life Ankeny therapy grounds planting, making repairs and landscaping. In addition to their work, they also planted a Northern Red Oak, Brian’s favorite tree. This tree symbolizes strength, resilience and adaptiveness, three words that not only describe their fellow coworker, but all of On With Life’s persons served.