London Reaches Out Through Reading Program Houston

Team takes off from Tim Kelly’s Ranch
Houston and Kansas City Connect for A Ride of a Lifetime
Twin Sisters Jackie
and Kathie
By Heather Almquist and
Bob Ellis
Deeper Connections
Fighting the Battle
A week later, Jackie called Joey
Jackie says the trip to Houston
In April, Lockton’s Houston
with some amazing news; the
was part of a wonderful year
and Kansas City offices came
two sisters, along with other
for Kathie, who also renewed
together to raise money
family members, were making
her wedding vows for her
and awareness for multiple
the trip from Kansas City
30th wedding anniversary
sclerosis, a progressive
to accompany the Houston
in 2011. However, Kathie,
neurological disease. For
team in the BP MS150. “I was
diagnosed in 1999, was in the
Houston, the office’s cycling
floored,” said Joey, “Not only
primary progressive stages of
team completed its fourth BP
was I encouraging Kathie, but
MS. She was admitted to the
MS150, riding more than 150
now she was encouraging me.”
hospital on August 14 and was
miles. For Jackie Schmidt, an
Associate in Kansas
Kathie, Jackie, and their
City, it was the trip
family joined the team on
of a lifetime for
Friday, April 15, for a preride
her twin sister, Kathie
celebration and dinner. They
Money.
next joined the team in
“Kathie fought long and hard.
on September 1. Kathie lost
her 12 year battle with MS on
September 8.
LaGrange, the ride’s midpoint,
We had time to talk and she
Jackie noticed a
and on Sunday closed out the
had no regrets but wanted
story on Lockton’s
weekend at the Austin finish
everyone to know she loved
Associate Spotlight
line to cheer Joey and the
them,” said Jackie.
about the ride and
other riders.
wrote to thank the
Joey attended Kathie’s
Houston MS150
In total, more than $62,000
visitation and funeral,
Committee for
was raised in direct donations
surprising Jackie and the rest
their hard work and
for the MS Society. Lockton
of the family. “This touched
dedication. Joey
was also honored by the MS
us more than we can express,”
Dryden from the
Society as the “Best Dressed
said Jackie.
Houston MS 150
Team” for the second time.
responded, letting her
While this was the fourth time
know how special her
Lockton Houston participated
message was to the
in the BP MS 150, the 2011
team.
race was very special. The
team raised more money for
Joey Dryden
and Kathie
taken into emergency surgery
Joey continued sharing
MS than in previous years, and
team news, pictures,
most importantly, were able to
and accolades with
share the weekend with Kathie
the sisters, who
and her family.
“Everyone I met at the
visitation told me how Kathie
raved about the MS150 after
she returned home,” said Joey.
“It meant the world to her
that our office opened our
arms to her and her family.”
complain,” said Jackie of her
difficulties, as many in her
sister. “She will be missed by
condition do each day, but
many, but her faithfulness and
always thought things could be
positive attitude will not be
worse and she had no right to
forgotten.”
Editor/Writer
Bob Ellis
Designer
Gigi Otney
Contributors
Heather Almquist (Houston)
Leanne Catlett (Denver)
Jordan Fisher (Kansas City, Summer Associate)
Libia González (Mexico)
Mike O’Connor (Washington, D.C.)
Debra Wesley (Atlanta)
Jeannie Wilcox (Kansas City)
Questions or Comments
We want to hear from you! Send any
story ideas, questions or comments to
closerlook@lockton.com.
were excited to hear that,
I was floored, not only was I encouraging
after working as a volunteer
Kathie, but now she was encouraging me.
Joey decided he would attempt
“She faced numerous
Chris Don (London)
enjoyed the updates. They
coordinator for two MS150s,
Kathie fought long and hard.
- Joey Dryden
the long ride from Houston
to Austin and dedicate his
ride to Kathie.
London Reaches Out Through
Reading Program
London Associates have been helping students from the Mulberry School for Girls for four years
with a reading and mentor program. This is part of the Lloyd’s Community Program, which is active
in more than 20 schools in East London each week, making a huge impact in the lives of hundreds
of children.
Lockton held an event this summer at which Julian James, International CEO, presented 16 pupils
from the Mulberry School with certificates of completion.
Another 18 Associates have already volunteered to take part in the campaign next year.
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