On Wednesday, October 21, we will come together on our Whippany campus to walk in support of Susan G. Komen and the fight to end breast cancer. This event is more than a walk—it is an opportunity for us to unite as a community, honor those affected by this disease, and contribute to life-changing research, patient support, and hope for future generations. A donation page has been created under my name on behalf of CRES, Procurement, and Resilience, and I encourage you to join us in making a meaningful and lasting impact.

This walk holds a profoundly personal meaning for me. Many years ago, I began this tradition to honor a remarkable colleague and dear friend whose courage, grace, and resilience touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know them. What started as a tribute has become a meaningful way to celebrate their legacy, raise awareness, and support the fight against breast cancer. This August, after bravely facing cancer for a second time, Brenda passed away. As we gather for this year’s walk, I hope to not only remember an extraordinary friend but also inspire our community to come together in support of those impacted by this disease and help create hope for a future free from breast cancer.

For more than 41 years of combined service across Lehman and Barclays Procurement, Brenda exemplified dedication, professionalism, compassion, and kindness. The positive influence they had on colleagues, friends, and our organization continues to be felt today. Their unwavering spirit and the relationships they built remain an enduring part of their legacy.

This year, we have a meaningful opportunity to honor Brenda’s legacy by supporting a cause that was deeply important to so many who knew and admired them. Donations made in Brenda’s name will help fund groundbreaking breast cancer research, provide vital care and resources for patients and their families, and advance efforts to find a cure. By contributing, we do more than remember an extraordinary colleague and friend—we transform that remembrance into action, hope, and lasting impact. Together, we can celebrate Brenda’s enduring spirit while standing in solidarity with the millions of individuals and families affected by breast cancer and helping create a future free from this disease.

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up or donated. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. If you would like to contribute to our fundraising efforts, please visit the donation site and consider donating. I will share the total amount raised with Brenda’s daughters, and through the Barclays matching program, we can amplify our impact and create an even more meaningful tribute in Brenda’s honor.