Gary Singer, Laser Spine Institute Employee and a "Pay It Forward" Story

I began working at Laser Spine Institute 2 and a half years ago at age 65.  I felt like I was given a break given my age and found myself very appreciative.  Obviously LSI is the kind of company where factors such as experience weigh heavily in the selection process.

About 9 months ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer (there is no State 5).  I had a PET scan that showed that I had cancer in 3 places other than my right lung.  I went on a chemo-therapy program right away accompanied with the work of some holistic/alterative health practitioners.

Bill Horne, CEO of Laser Spine Institute, upon hearing I had cancer called me into his office, explained that his wife was fighting cancer and that as an example of “pay it forward” he offered to send me to a cancer treatment center near Sedona, AZ, which I gladly and graciously accepted.  I was actually caught off guard to have the CEO of the company I work for be so generous and interested in me.  But he was and as I have come to know him better, that is exactly the kind of man Bill Horne is.  So I went off to AZ and had wonderful treatments at the center.  Let me add that Laser Spine Institute paid for this trip 100%.  What a blessing that was!

In the process of all of this, I was still healthy with enough energy to work full-time and had only minor time off for not feeling well. 

Move forward in time to two weeks ago.  My cancer had gotten worse according to the most recent PET scan and my oncologist recommended another kind of chemo that I started about 2 weeks ago.  The day after my first treatment I got sick with chills, fever, no appetite and little energy.  Lasted 4 days and I decided to return to work on the 5^th day.  My energy was low but I was able to stay at work that day and the next, but was so drained I began to get concerned.  After all, while I may be old enough to retire, financially that is not possible, so I have to work.  But that night I began to think that I am not able to keep working—just don’t have enough energy to handle a full-time job.

So I spoke with the VP of Human Resources, told her what was going on and she suggested I speak with Bill Horne, which I did.  I met with Bill and explained my situation and he told me, “This is what I am going to do for you.  You are going home with pay to take care of yourself and get your energy back.”

I didn’t know how to respond, but I was able to say how appreciative I was at his generosity.  Never in my entire life have I ever been taken care of like this.  Bill Horne is a hero to me and always will be.  I could say it another way.  It’s like having a guardian angel watching my back.  I will be forever grateful and thankful that Bill Horne is in my life and that I consider him a friend.

The world needs more people with the kind of heart Bill Horne has.  I have found him to be a man of integrity and honor.  I have a profound respect for his humanness.