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revisit RISK AND REWARD

What happened to Lauren? Nearly dying actually brought memoir, Zuzu’s Petals: A True
Lauren—and her husband, Jeff—the reward of under- Story of Second Chances,
standing how to live. “We asked ourselves, ’Do we want but the broader result was
to rebuild the same life? Or something more authentic to a new career direction,
who we have become?’ No longer wanting to live in a focused on telling “true
busy west coast city, they moved to the Rocky Mountains. stories that touch people’s hearts to inspire
Knowing the role that blood transfusions played in her action in whatever way is meaningful to them.” Reflect
survival, Lauren began traveling the country to give on your long-term life goals. Write them down. Why
speeches in hopes of inspiring others to become blood have you chosen these paths? Are they authentic to who
donors. In 2010, her efforts rewarded her with the title of you are as a person? Will they bring rewards that reflect
president and chief ambassador of the Foundation for your values?
America’s Blood Centers, a noprofit organization that
What risk may bring reward beyond your world? Lauren
supports the independent blood centers that collect half took advantage of her second chance by becoming a driv-
the U.S. blood supply. ing force behind several humanitarian efforts. In 2006 and
Lauren earned the 2006 Outstanding Achievement
again in 2011, she chaired the two largest fundraisers to
Award from the American Association of Blood Banks,
date for the Preeclampsia Foundation. In 2007, Jeff and
and was named one of the “100 Most Inspiring Alumni” Lauren launched a grassroots initiative to drill wells in war-
in the 75-year history of the UCLA Anderson Graduate torn areas of South Sudan. However, you don’t need a
School of Management, all from her desire to thank
near-death experience to be charitable. Go to www.the-
the quiet heroes who had helped save her life with
fabc.org to learn how vital blood donations are to human
their blood.
health. The Get Involved link offers other ways to help,
What does this mean for you? As Lauren sought to express including organizing a blood drive, volunteering time, and
gratitude to countless blood donors, nurses, doctors, making monetary donations. Consider getting involved in
rehab specialists, family, and friends, she rediscovered her this cause, or another that is close to your heart, in a way
true passion—storytelling. One tangible result was her that makes a difference.

GLOBAL RI SK AND REWARD Living in a high-risk area for seismic activity prompted several

Chilean scientists to consider how to protect buildings from
earthquake damage. Together they developed a U-shaped
metal device that is integrated into strategic locations in the
building’s support structure. In the event of an earthquake,
the devices absorb the seismic force by bending, and then
renew structural support when they regain their original shape.
The risk these scientists took will offer reward to people living
wherever their technology is installed, in earthquake zones all over
the world. 13

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