Pay It Forward – Letter from the President
Posted on September 8, 2009
Chances are, unless you live in San Diego, you are not familiar with Brian Monaghan. If you are, perhaps you will know Brian as either a highly successful plaintiff’s trial attorney, or as a Director of the San Diego Padres, the American Ireland Fund, the Salk Institute International Council and/or Hastings College of Law at the University of California.
If you knew all of that about Brian Monaghan then immediately go to the bonus round. The preliminaries are too easy for you.~
Of course, if you are familiar with Brian, you also probably knew that in 1998 Mr. Monaghan was diagnosed with two cancerous brain tumors and given a 15% chance of survival.
I admit, I’d never heard of Brian Monaghan. Then one early August morning this came in the mail:
My husband and I have been members of MedjetAssist since 2001. Here’s why:
In 1998, Brian was diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma with two brain tumors and lymph node involvement. He was classified as stage IV; there is no stage V. That began a long, involved journey but to cut to the chase, eleven years later, he is alive and well and we are doing our very best to enjoy life. We feel truly blessed, fortunate or just plain lucky to be living the life we are and in fact, in our effort to pay it forward, we have written a book about our experience. The Power of Two: Surviving Serious Illness with an Attitude and an Advocate was published in May and for the past few months we have been very busy with a nationwide book tour, speaking engagements and numerous radio interviews across the country.
When it became clear that Brian had outlived all expectations, we decided we wanted to do as much as we could to enjoy life and for us that included travel. Although he was well, I was afraid to travel outside the country with him. The fear of being alone in a situation where he might need expert medical care from our own doctors was too overwhelming for me. That’s where MedjetAssist came in. A friend told me about it and I am now one of your best salespersons… I tell all of our friends that “we won’t leave home without it.”
We have learned that life takes us on many journeys. But when it comes to “road trips,” MedjetAssist makes those journeys possible for us by giving me peace of mind.
Sincerely,
Gerri Monaghan
You can engage all the copywriters, advertising and public relations pros you can find in a phone book and nothing can match a testimonial as written by one of your own members, as in Gerri Monaghan’s words. What a wonderful read and especially because 11 years later Brian is still enjoying life and travel despite the gloomy forecasts!
After reading Gerri’s letter I immediately did two things: (1) I ordered The Power of Two and (2) I sent the Monaghans an email requesting a good time to speak with them over the phone.
The phone call happened a couple of days later. Watching their grandkids made it tough for the Monaghans to find a window of time to talk.
What delightful people. Not certain I would have expected less. Gerri wanted to make sure Brian was on the phone as well.
Gerri told me, “My position is Brian has outlived all his warranties but that wasn’t going to stop us. Right now Brian’s health is very good and there are no travel limitations, but I could not make trips without feeling I have back-up and that’s what our Medjet membership gives us.”
She continued, “We wrote the book for one reason- to provide a story of hope against all odds as well as a road map to help those who come behind us. As part of our attempt to pay it forward, we have donated 1800 books to cancer centers around the country.”
Frankly it was one of those feel good moments in life. No matter what might have been ailing you at the time and no matter what problems were taking their toll on you, after speaking with Gerri and Brian you just felt better about everything!
Noted North Carolina mom, breast cancer survivor and former Vice Presidential candidate spouse, Elizabeth Edwards said: “Throughout my life, people around me have woven a tapestry to hold me up. Brian- with his courage, compassion and grace is part of my tapestry. He and Gerri’s story is yet another gift.”
Being introduced to The Power of Two made it one of those days when opening the morning mail was truly a pleasure.
I normally end these eNews updates with a note to “Travel Safe.” Unbeknownst to me, the Monaghans have been doing just that for the past 11 years and are still going strong!
We are honored to play a small part in this great and touching success story.~
Travel Safe,
Roy Berger
President/CEO
MedjetAssist
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My wife and I just returned from a trip to Turkey and Greece. The first thing I checked when packing was my MedJet Assist card. This organization gives us incredible piece of mind.
Truly, this is a beautiful story. We were not familiar with Brian Monaghan, however, after reading this story, this is definitely someone that we would love to meet.
I have been a member of Medjet for two years as I travel around the country on motorcycle trips with some of my friends. Last year we traveled cross country from MA. and back – 23 days – 8320 miles. Next August we are planning a trip to Wyoming. Needless to say, I travel with my mind at ease knowing that, if anything happened, you are there to take care of things and assist my wife with any details that would have to be taken care of. I am a 64 year old retired funeral director and, over many years, have had to deal with families in difficult situations and know what a relief it is to have someone take care of the details for you at a difficult time.
Your story caught my attention as I have known Brian since the 1980’s. While he is everything your article says, Brian is also a person who was quite unique even before the illness and success. As a very successful trial lawyer Brian had every reason to be arrogant but he never was. He took many a young lawyer (me included) under his wing with guidance for how to succeed with intelligence and unwaving dedication to clients coupled with kindness and compassion. There was no lawyer who ever outworked Brian or kept a better attitude about life, all at the same time. Brian took cases that cried for an advocate but also with less then a 15% chance of success. He won them all just as he and Gerri won his battle against cancer. I am a better person for having known Brian and Gerri.
My work is now all over the world but not in resort places. Particularly in Liberia, I am glad to read that Gerri and Brian and I also agree about MedjetAssist, do not leave home without it!
What a wonderful sales tool!! I too have been fortunate to have my husband survive eight years of Multiple Myeloma. After a stem cell transplant and radiation he is enjoying life to the fullest. He golfs, plays tennis twice a week and enjoys our five grandchildren.
As our life has gone on he moves the goal posts with every passing celebration.
Without Medjet and the security it gives us, travel would be impossible.
Roberta Freedman
North South Travel and Tours
Great Story:
one of the reasons I selected medjet about 5 years ago was for the protection on traveling. so I didn’t need to use it, but the security is fantastic. I referred three friends to you.
Marvin Beitler