A visit Rob will never forget…
Every day our hard-working colleagues never fail to make an impression. On the world, our customers, and on each other. These moments provide a wealth of stories. Stories that have never before seen the light of day. It’s now time to share some of them with the world. This time: when Chourak is diagnosed with ALS and can no longer work, his colleagues roll up their sleeves for him.
The news really hit home. From one day to the next, Chourak, always full of energy and with a smile on his face, was diagnosed with ALS. A disease that slowly disables his muscles. The news deeply affected me and my colleagues. As his manager at Schipol, I know Chourak well. Everyone saw him as the optimist, an energetic member of our Vebego team who was only too happy to come to work. All of a sudden, he was forced to give up his work and start preparing for a difficult farewell.
A visit etched on the mind forever
I can remember clearly how it all started. Chourak didn’t feel well. ‘It’s just flu’, he said, positive as always. ‘I’ll recover soon enough.’ However, when it persisted and he eventually went to the doctor, it quickly became clear something was seriously wrong. Shortly after, he was told the life changing words: ‘Sir, I am truly sorry, but you have ALS.’
After his diagnosis, several colleagues and I went to visit him. His wife welcomed us warmly, but upon entering the atmosphere felt heavy. Chourak was sitting there, fragile, but grateful for our visit. The conversation picked up slowly. He began to tell us about the wonderful neighbourhood and the great care he was receiving. His positive outlook on life still shone through. However, his concerns were palpable, especially about the future of his family. How on earth would they survive without his income?
On the way home, we noted that Chourak’s concerns had touched a nerve in all of us. Everyone realised that, faced with a similar situation, the last thing you want to have to worry about is money. It therefore felt almost natural that we, his colleagues, immediately decided to organise a fundraiser for him and his family to help alleviate his worries. Everyone gave what they could without a second thought.
A few weeks later we went to visit him again. ‘Chourak, before we came here, your colleagues organised a special fundraiser. They have raised a fantastic sum for you and your family.’ His eyes filled with tears. He looked at me, clearly moved, and nodded. Words weren’t necessary, his gratitude was clear to see.
In the months that followed, Chourak was forced to give up work. Although this was a difficult time for all involved, I was in awe of how we all – like a family – were able to look beyond the work someone does. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s the people we do it for. We can only hope that this story inspires others and helps make the world a better place for everyone.
