Interview With Award-Winning Non-Profit Executive Cathy Lanyard

(www.bizchickrule.com) — Cathy Lanyard is the award-winning executive director of The American Friends of ALYN Hospital, a renowned pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation center in Jersulaem, Israel. Cathy shared with me some of her background and the important work she’s doing both as a female executive and a mom.

Kristen, Biz Chicks Rule: Please tell us about your professional background.

Cathy Lanyard, American Friend of ALYN Hospital: Undergraduate and graduate work at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, [then] 1st career: Actress, model; 2nd career: Lobbyist; 3rd career: Founded and ran interior design firm; 4th career: Director of Development for the Reform Movement of Judaism for four years and Executive Director of American Friends of ALYN Hospital for the past 9 years. I have been a grassroots volunteer my entire life and my toughest job — the one I have had the least training for — has been as a mother.

Kristen: Please tell us about ALYN and how you became involved with it.

Cathy Lanyard: ALYN Hospital is one of the world’s premiere comprehensive rehabilitation centers for physically challenged and disabled children – from birth to young adulthood. Christopher Reeve visited there shortly before his death and was in awe of what is done there and the way in which care is given. At that time, I was working for another organization – raising money for them – when my daughter survived a car accident in which her passenger died and she escaped with severe, yet temporary injuries. During her months of recovery and rehab I had a birds’ eye view of the world of a teenager in a wheelchair and her encouragement for me to use my talents for an organization that spoke more loudly and clearly to my passions. About six months after she recuperated, the spot at ALYN became available and I thought it was a perfect fit for me and for the organization.

Kristen: Can you explain exactly what "ALYN is unique in that it’s the only facility in the world with an intensive care respiratory rehabilitation unit" means?

Cathy Lanyard:Usually children with illnesses or conditions that require them to live connected to respirators and dependent on wheelchairs spend their lives in nursing homes or in similar institutions. ALYN is unique in that no child languishes in bed; their Intensive Care Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit is unlike any ICU unit I have seen anywhere. It is colorful, filled with people, toys and activity. While each patient receives state-of-the-art monitoring for their respiratory issues they also are out and about in ALYN in the pool, in the art room, in music centers, getting rehab all the time. ALYN has developed state-of-the-art equipment to enable children with respirators, for example, the capabilities to participate in activities such as swimming.

Kristen:There are a lot of very worthy charities. Why sets ALYN apart and why should people give to yours over other charities?

Cathy Lanyard:There are many wonderful charities and many issues and causes that we should all support – I do as a matter of fact. I would never ask anyone to choose ALYN over another charity, but I willingly ask them to add it to their list of giving. Why? Because ALYN itself is a well kept secret, nestled in the hills of Jerusalem, in a country who makes the news daily about issues of war and peace. People hear about death and suffering, but they rarely hear about the children who come to ALYN, who suffer to rebuild lives after accidents or because of a downturn of a neurological condition. I am so proud of the way ALYN uses every dollar that is given, of the high percentage of each $1 that goes directly to each child and I am proud to see how meaningful and impactful peoples’ gifts truly are.

Kristen:Your organization also encourages children to donate. Why do you think it is important for kids to get involved in philanthropy?

Cathy Lanyard:I think encouraging children to get involved in philanthropy is not important, but imperative if we are to raise them into caring, thoughtful adults. For example, experts say that children are not born as bigots, but that it is a learned behavior. Surely this is also true of generosity. Children who see their parents as givers and are taught to also give have learned a lesson that will last them a lifetime and make them, eventually, better citizens. Every child has something to give, even if it is just a penny or a dollar. It is a simple act that teaches them compassion and gratitude.

Kristen:Are there ways for people to help your cause if they are not in a position to give money?

Cathy Lanyard:Yes! People can give of their time and leadership talents and help organize MITZVAH OF LOVE events in their communities. MITZVAH OF LOVE projects – Hebrew for good deed or act of human kindness – are easy, fun and customizable ways for groups of 1 to infinity to raise much needed funds to support ALYN Hospital. Because ALYN is in Israel and not here in the U.S. it is not conducive to visits nor is it easy to send handmade gifts, so the children do need the money. But someone who really wants to get involved and does not have money to give can help us organize the actual fundraising events.

In fact, the first annual NATIONAL MITZVAH OF LOVE DAY will be held on November 9th, 2008. ALYN is encouraging youth across the country to celebrate this national holiday by putting their optimistic attitudes to good use and participating in an altruistic activity of their choice. Popular activities include SKATE for LOVE, CYCLE for LOVE, DANCE for LOVE and SWIM for LOVE. All contributions raised from the nationwide mitzvahs will be donated to ALYN Hospital and utilized for improving the quality of life of the pediatric patients. Organizing an event for NATIONAL MITZVAH OF LOVE DAY is a great way for people to become involved, especially if they are not in a position to give money.

Kristen: What was the most important thing you learned as a child?

Cathy Lanyard:When I was a child I wasn’t really aware of what I was learning. But when I had my own children it was easy to know what I wanted them to learn: the power of unconditional love, the confidence to make mistakes, the empowerment of self confidence and the grace to accept who they are and who they aren’t.

Kristen: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Cathy Lanyard:The timing of my answering these questions is probably historical: the first woman who almost ran for President, a female Vice Presidential candidate, a bill before the Senate demanding equal pay for women – so much progress and yet still so far to go. I’ve tried to show my daughter (and my son) that anything is possible but nothing will just come to your doorstep. The primary rule of fundraising (the business I am in!!) is also the primary rule for anyone (women and men) who want to advance: never be afraid to ask. The only way the answer is always NO is if you do not ask.

For more information about ALYN, visit the hospital website. To support The American Friends of ALYN, visit the foundation website.

Contents © Copyright 2008 Kristen King

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