Whatever it takes.
At a time of life where most children are playing outside, pretending to have the power and invulnerability of their favorite superheroes, Hayes Unruh donned his favorite Batman costume in a hospital room.
After jumping down a half flight of stairs when playing with his brothers, he kept mentioning a persistent pain. Within a month he’d be diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma.
It had spread throughout his body.
Undaunted, Hayes and his family are continuing to fight with nothing short of unyielding faith and determination to see him return home for good.
Having a personal connection to Hayes’ father—Dr. Chase Unruh of Unruh Spine Center in Santa Clarita—Scorpion decided it was time to be more proactive in our support. Reaching out to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Scorpion put together a blood drive for Hayes and other children like him undergoing their own fights.
Earlier this week, employees of Scorpion felt inspired, and stepped forward one by one to give their support to Hayes’ cause. Within 6 hours, more than 50 employees signed up to volunteer. Although few people like needles, the purpose of the cause was clear: to contribute in any way they could.
Scorpion Assistant Accounts Administrator, Synthia Murdock, justified her willingness to donate by measuring its potential impact, saying “I try to donate blood as often as I can, as my blood type can be used for newborns. It’s something that has zero negative impact on my life, but can literally save someone else’s!”
Although there were a few cases of employees fearing the needle, they persevered, particularly in the case of Vice President of Internet Marketing, Kate Figueroa, who understood the greater importance, saying:
“I’ve never given blood before and I’m honestly a little nervous for some weird reason, but I’m doing this because I have a 4-year-old daughter, and if the shoe was on the other foot and my daughter was fighting for her life, I would be eternally grateful to anyone who would be willing to donate blood to help save her. It really comes down to one parent wanting to do all they can to help another parent.”
In the fight against neuroblastoma, and with the health of children like Hayes on the line, the cause was profoundly personal. On the subject of Dr. Unruh’s relationship to Scorpion, Mike Quinonez, Scorpion’s Director of Internet Marketing, had this to say:
“Dr. Unruh helps so many people around this valley; from families, friends, and practically all of Scorpion. It means a lot that Scorpion chose to hold this event on behalf of Hayes Unruh. Our clients are like family and we like to take care of our own.”
As neuroblastoma is the third most common cancer in children after leukaemia and brain cancer, this fight will continue. However, with families like the Unruh’s leading the charge, we at Scorpion will continue to provide our thoughts and support in any way we can.