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Remembering Hannah: #HannahStrong
One day. One moment. Their life, their purpose changed forever.
They were a close-knit family of four – single father Jason Wesche and his three darling girls -Hannah, Rachael, and Kaitlyn – who treasured life’s simple pleasures. Many moments were shared laughing and playing together. 
Helping and bringing smiles to others made them feel good. Jason worked hard, juggling his responsibilities between work and raising his girls to be happy, confident, strong, and caring.
Hannah, the youngest, celebrated her third birthday on January 11. Jason described her to me as, “one of the most joyful kids ever – definitely not shy. She always wanted to try and do things for other people. She just loved everybody, and especially kids.”
It was at 7:00 am on March 8, 2018, when he dropped her off at her next-door babysitter. Minutes later a call came in to 911, and they would later learn that the little girl with her whole life ahead of her was shaken and struck while in the care of her sitter. The trial will begin soon.
Shortly after, Jason shared on a GoFundMe page, “Hannah was born on January 11, 2015. I fell head over [heels] for her and she stole my heart. Raising Hannah and watching her blossom into a bubbly fun loving little girl has been more than I could ever ask for. I am beyond devastated that I am having to say goodbye to my Angel. This is every parent’s worst nightmare and I will fight for my baby and justice will be served.”
From tragedy comes inspiration
Sometimes, the strength of the human spirit amazes and inspires me,
Three months later, as the trial is preparing to begin, the Wesche family is channeling their strength into a newfound mission in honor of their dear little girl who was horrifically taken way too soon, in a way that no child should have to endure.
Just launched, the Hannah Strong Foundation is a new nonprofit organization that Jason told me will be reaching people across the globe. Its new website explains its purpose as, “helping make the world around us a better, happier place for children of abuse and or neglect. With the help of our tireless staff, we organize fundraisers, community events, and in-depth training sessions for our volunteers. We use the mass majority of our income that we raise to help fund various organizations and hospitals including but not limited to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Life center, and other child related services.”
Their very first fund raiser is coming up on Sunday, July 1 from 3 to 7 pm at French Park in Cincinnati. There will be kids’ games and a 31 ft slip and slide, plus hot dogs and a silent auction for adults. Bring your whole family!
Watch for their upcoming announcements on ways you can be involved, and fund-raising events to attend. Follow them on Facebook or visit their website at www.hannahstrong3.com.
#HannahStrong
Enjoy The Small Steps
It was nearly three years ago when a beautiful young woman, who, at 21, was just reaching her adulthood, was taken from this world too soon. Katy Schindler got so much joy out of riding horses, strumming a guitar and playing baseball. Her face wore a huge smile every time her bat hit a ball. More than that, she simply loved life and savored every moment. Grudges were never part of her vocabulary. She had a gift for bringing out the best in others too, which no doubt, was why friends adored her. And why she was a shining star to her parents – my friends Sue and Bob Schindler.
Katy had all the qualities I admire in someone. I so much wish I could have gotten to know and enjoy Katy personally. I have come to know the incredible person that Katy was from her mother sharing the memories that Sue will forever hold in a special place in her heart.
Last week Sue gave a speech to our Toast of the Town Toastmasters Club about Katy’s graduation. It is a story that touched me and I have a feeling will touch you too.
Thanks Sue (and Bob), for sharing your gift with my readers!
Enjoy the Small Steps by Sue Schindler
May 25, 2014, my husband and I are sitting at the Cintas Center at Xavier University as we watch the Princeton High School graduates walk on stage. I know that I’m holding my breath and my heart is in my stomach…UNTIL, “Kathryn Marie Schindler” is announced. Our daughter has already walked up the make-shift steps to the stage. She’s gracefully accepted her diploma from Principal, Wm. Sprankles.
Bob and I are ecstatic! We hug; leave our seats and run down to greet Katy who is now in the hallway. We tell her that we love her and are so proud of her!
You may ask, “Sue, what’s so special about your daughter graduating? Students do it all of the time.” In 2014 at Princeton HS, students like my daughter didn’t participate in the graduation ceremony.
Katy was born with Cerebral Palsy. CP is a brain injury that causes motor damage. In Katy’s case, she toe-walks and could easily fall on the stage steps. She also is very anxious when others call attention to her. Just saying, “Katy,” could cause her to become anxious for minutes until she calmed down.
When I approached Katy’s school team in 2013, I’m sure that they thought I had 2 heads. Why make this difficult on Katy? The diploma can be sent through the mail. …..But that isn’t the vision we had for her.
Fortunately, Katy had a very smart and supportive school team. Her teachers, special education director, Kim Pence, or others never said, “No!” Instead, they were very respectful. They asked how this would look and immediately started putting a plan in place. That’s when our team became an even stronger village of support.
For starters, Bob, Katy and I attended the Princeton Graduation 2013. Although air horns and loud screaming were prohibited, it still happens. How would we help Katy get used to the noise?
In January 2014, we approached Xavier University events planners and they approved Katy going into the Center starting in March. By that time, the stage was set for the high school graduations. Katy’s caregiver, Clarice Simms, who was more like that big sister that she never had, and Katy would drive to Cintas after school. Clarice or I would yell, “Kathryn Marie Schindler,” as Katy navigated the stairs, stage and noise.
Instead of Katy waiting until the “S’s” were called, teachers, Jen Schell & Amy Liebat, arranged for Katy to receive her diploma in the beginning of the ceremony. Many of the students already weren’t alphabetized. They also practice with Katy at the Cintas Center. Jen arranges for Clarice to have a cap & gown so that Katy can walk in-between them. Katy can also leave the gym after receiving her diploma as the group walked back to their seats.
It’s now May 25th. Katy is on the bus with the other graduates to the Cintas Center. The moment is up to her.
Bob and I have some time before the ceremony. We stop into the FreeStore/FoodBank to pick-up t-shirts for the Hunger Walk they are sponsoring on Memorial Day. I’ve often been told that there are no coincidences in life. On this day, I believe it. I run into a former parent whose son I taught when he was 5 years old. Peggy was an advocate back in the day while students were still segregated. As I express my fears, she looks at me and calmly says,
“Would Katy have bought into the graduation ceremony a year ago?”
I say, “No. “That’s one small step and one victory.”
“Even if Katy just goes into the Cintas Center and runs out of the building, it’s a victory.” Instead of worrying, look at every small step as a victory.”
I took Peggy’s advise as I sat down that day and waited to see what happened. Katy didn’t disappoint and the look of accomplishment on her face was one I will always remember.
Sometimes I look back and wonder if we should have challenged her to be part of the 2014 ceremony. Those who were there, give us a resounding, “YES!” Their comments seem to be the same with mentioning “the look” on Katy’s face as she waited for us in the hallway. She knew she accomplished something very special.
So often in life we choose not to take that first small step out of fear of not accomplishing. However, if we take that first step, we can build and build and build into bigger steps.
I challenge you to take that first step and find the joy in doing just that. Not only will you have the pride of accomplishment, but you will also go onto bigger steps…. Just like Katy.
Steve Inspires People Passion
He has been called an iconic leader, a positive disruptor, and a passionate people person who has inspired probably tens, if not, hundreds of thousands directly and indirectly across the globe to put more heart, more connectivity, and more appreciation into their work, their relationships, and their lives.
Steve Browne, SHRM-SCP, is vice president of HR for LaRosa’s Inc., Cincinnati’s hometown pizzeria restaurant chain with more than 1,100 team members. He serves on the Board of the nearly 300,00 member Society of Human Resource Management, and for about 18 years has been running the local HR Roundtable – growing its monthly meeting attendance from roughly a handful to more than 140 people. Thousands follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter; and many more are touched by his insight through his talks, interviews, and now his book titled HR on Purpose: Developing Deliberate People Passion.
He is one of those rare gifts who makes anyone in his presence feel valued. He is as genuinely impressed with the life experiences of a pizza delivery driver as a CEO. He is as eager to hear about your interest in cats as your interest in reading, sports, volunteerism or leadership. From Steve’s perspective, everyone is important for their own unique qualities and everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, respected and to contribute. He is driven by his desire to connect with others. It energizes him. It gives his life purpose.
“I have learned incredible things about people by being interested. I want to be excited about them,” he told me.
I had known of Steve long before we first met in person when I attended one of his HR Roundtable get togethers – which, by the way, is not just for human resources professionals any longer. When Steve took over its leadership, that was one of the many changes put in place. He wanted it to be a different kind of networking event, a very personable one, where connections are made on a deeper level than simply an exchange of business cards and where the discussions leave attendees uplifted for their day. If you go, expect to be welcomed by Steve out front as he greets guests on their way in. It is one small gesture that has a big impact. “It matters that you are there,” he told me.
And, in his human resources role, it matters to him that organizational cultures change to provide more flexibility, to be asking the question, “How can we help each employee succeed?” instead of, “How can we make each employee conform for us?”
On Becoming The Double Exclamation Point Enthusiast!!
Steve grew up in a small town of 2500 people, he likens to Mayberry, a blue collar neighborhood where everyone knows each other. “Personally,” he said, “I was always taught to be others focused. I was the guy who hung out with every kind of person in high school and college.”
His parents were a huge influence. His mother was a teacher for years and always active in their community. Steve remembers her coming home and telling them about the lives of every student she ever had. And to this day, those students – now adults – still reach out to her. His father died when Steve was four and his mother remarried during his teenage years. His stepfather just celebrated his 35th year as a village councilman while Steve’s mother, at 79, was named Citizen of the Year.
With that kind of upbringing, it is no wonder Steve grew up to be someone who flourishes most when in the presence of others, usually doing things to bring value to their life. Sure, he was really good at math and science but this high school valedictorian was failing in college when he was majoring in engineering. That’s when his wise mother stepped in and suggested he find another major, something that would allow him to surround himself with people. He switched his major to ‘interpersonal communication’ because pretty much that meant it would prepare him for anything from being a pastor to a social worker to human resources.
And the rest is history.
I asked Steve a few more questions to get to know him.
Lisa: Outside of your parents, tell me about someone else who as has inspired you.
Steve: This is a hard question because I get energized by everyone I meet. There are many people in my life like that, people who life others up naturally. You just want to be with them. I have seen that done in a quiet or robust way. Fred Eck, my bud, calls me every week just to see how I am doing. That is inspiring. If he misses a week, I call him to see if he is ok. We met through Ohio SHRM and he has been a mentor to me for about 20 years.
Lisa: What is something which people outside your inner circle may be surprised to learn about you?
Steve: Actually, I am the most open book person you will ever meet. I will tell you everything about my life the day we meet. I write poetry and now I do that every week. I have books of poems that I have written. All the stuff in my head has to come out. I also have four lava lamps. It is a nightmare. Let me be weird. It is ok.
Lisa: You talk about a life and human resources lesson from your daughter’s sport. Please tell us about that.
Steve: My daughter was an average basketball player on her team. The coach needed to make room for other players, and so asked if my daughter would like to be team manager instead. She (the coach) called me to talk about it first and I said I thought it was a brilliant idea. She wanted to do the best for my daughter and created a role that didn’t exist so that my daughter could continue to be a valued member of the team. Organizationally, if we thought of employees that way, how amazing would that be? If we asked, ‘how can I find a way to make this fit for her better? I am one of those odd people who sees human resources in everything.
Lisa: When you awake each morning, to what are you most looking forward?
Steve: I am naïve enough to not worry about the day ahead. I’d rather take it as it comes. It is not that I don’t care, but I don’t know what the future is, so I don’t let it bother me. Each day is new and it will be challenging with ups and downs. That is exciting. I dread the days that are dull. If I come across someone disinterested, I don’t get it. I am blessed beyond measure. There are so many amazing people all around me.
I was listening to an interview Steve did recently with Jennifer McClure on her podcast, Impact Makers.
“I get geeked when I see other people,” he told her. “It doesn’t matter if they are employees or strangers I pass on the street. Something as simple as saying ‘hello’ or smiling may be just what someone needs to shatter the darkness he or she is dealing with. There are not great efforts or initiatives needed. You have the ability to be the light. The decision is yours.”
Yes, Steve, the decision is ours! Thanks for being our role model!
Through Running, Scot Finds Joy
Guest post
This past weekend in Cincinnati, Scot Howell was one of thousands who lined the streets, participating in the 20th annual Flying Pig Marathon. Everyone has their own purpose for their long hours of training and mental preparation that culminates in a 26+ mile run. Scot shares why he does it and why this marathon is a personal passion of his.
by Scot Howell
“The Flying Pig Marathon-Cincinnati Organizers asked me why I run. My reply was simple, I run to overcome depression. Looking back though, I 
see that as a cop-out. My depression, along with a couple other diseases are alive and well, dark and powerful. Does running defeat that? No. But it helps.
When I walked my neighborhood thinking I was being healthy, my friend Chris believed in me enough to challenge me to my first 5k. He stayed behind me cheering me on while pushing his daughter in her stroller. That taught me to support others in the running community. My friends Jim, Edward, Jeff, Kim, & Rick took me on a 10k that was all hills. I was third to last, coming in ahead of an octogenarian and a pregnant lady pushing a double stroller. That taught me a couple things. First, to be humble and grateful for the ability to run. Secondly, to make hill training a big part of my runs (and with some pride I admit that I climb hills now without challenge). On my first 10k, my neighbor Brian passed me slowly and steadily, losing me without effort. That taught me to train, to want to grow, to be better.
This was my third full Flying Pig Marathon. When I ran my first full Pig, I was angry and resentful for miles 1-4. All these people lined the course, but they weren’t there for me. No one was there for me. I hate this, I thought. All these people cheering and I hate me. You can see, the disease (s) are quite powerful. What I’ve been taught was that a spiritual experience occurred. A voice in my head fueled by that tingling you feel in your gut, somewhat like a nervousness shouted, “they’re all here for you!” I smiled and wept. Guided by a power greater than I, the entire run was the greatest experience of my life.
When I run I do what I’ve learned from everyone else. I take out my earbuds for each performer I pass because I appreciate their effort. I congratulate everyone wearing a first timer or streaker bib. If we pass each other again I tell them again. When I receive nutrition and hydration I say thank you. I throw my trash in the can versus the ground. You shouldn’t have to clean up after me. (Amusing side note: I was 4 for 26 in making the trash can so many volunteers still had to clean up after me.) I thank people for dressing up, such as Santa with the sign “I believe in you”. I thank fan zone folks, such as the Alzheimer’s Association with the sign “run like the PTO chair is chasing you to volunteer”. That one was this PTO dad’s favorite, btw.
Some years back I chose to travel a short path in life. It wasn’t far, about a dozen steps. Taking that route has made me understand some things about my life. One is that I am where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there. As I approached the 26 mile flag I knew the timer was near to measure our final mile. I walked out the pain, massaged my quads, said a quick prayer then resumed my run. This wouldn’t be a slow mile, having been beat down by distance and a head full of ill thoughts. I ignored my legs and my knees, one quick hill as we passed the Boathouse. I noticed someone staying with me. She had on the familiar “first marathon” bib. I congratulated her. She thanked me and shared with me her excitement. I wept behind my sunglasses feeling so happy for her. I knew that feeling. Also knowing the crowds get thick and loud at the end I had removed my earbuds. Nothing feels so good as to feel that much energy. We chatted in short breaths. She was so excited and proud. As we passed fans, I yelled to them she was a first timer, to make some noise. They responded loudly each time. She thanked me. I crossed the finish before her and got to see her face as she completed her first marathon. It was amazing. I congratulated her, gave her a bottle of water and thanked God for the opportunity. I was there with her as He would have me and I got to see so much happiness and excitement. There is no greater gift in life.
Why do I run? A three word answer certainly cannot suffice. I run because I want to live and I want to be Happy, Joyous, and Free. I want to be all the things others have taught me to be. Today I am, it’s tomorrow I want. I truly appreciate every single human who helped, cheered, performed, sent kind words, high fives, hugged, and supported me and all the runners this year. With all of you, the sunlight of the Spirit keeps my darkness away and today is great day.”
TEDxCincinnati Sparks Conversation
BaddBob is part of a Florida group of bikers whose passion is empowering and standing up for children who have been victims of abuse. Through 
her poetry, Tiffany Bowden brings her listeners back in time to the innocence of childhood, a time when humanity was uncomplicated and when embracing difference came without limitations. Jason R. Nguyen is a producer/musician who plays a unique traditional Vietnamese instrument that has only one string. At 14, Isabelle Weall is a quadruple amputee who believes whatever happens in life, that it is important to be resilient in pushing boundaries to achieve what is possible. Malak Alwawi is a 17 year old Cincinnati student who uses her writing talent to raise awareness of some of society’s issues such as racism, mental health, sexual harassment and more. And Mike Zelkind has an indoor, hydroponic farm that grows the highest quality produce with 97% less water, yielding 100 times more than traditional farming with ZERO pesticides.
What do these very different and unusual people have in common?
They will ALL be among the presenters and entertainers at this spring’s TEDxCincinnati 8th annual Main Stage Event, to be held on Saturday, May 12 at Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati. There will be two identical shows – one beginning at 4:00 pm and the second beginning at 7:30 pm with networking, happy hour and Elis BBQ for purchase in between.
I have always loved going to TEDxCincinnati events, and served on its leadership team years back. Shows include an eclectic collection of such diverse, unusual and thought-provoking topics carefully crafted to draw you in, give you pause, and cause you to think about things from an often new perspective.
Jami Edelheit, director of TEDxCincinnati, describes it this way: “Think of TEDxCincinnati as a trip to the brain spa, one in which you leave read to talk and explore new ideas with those around you. People don’t come to our Main Stage Event specifically for the speakers that are chosen, but rather for the experience that they are sure to have.”
I encourage you to visit their website to see the full list of speakers and entertainers, and then purchase your ticket now…before they are sold out!
