Written by Joe Robinson, Client Manager
My History with CAI
I started my career with CAI in 2005 after a successful 20-year Military career. After starting and showing up for my first assignment I struggled somewhat to find my place in the company. I understood the work I was doing; it made sense that I was helping get equipment ready and a facility up and operational. What I did not understand was the impact of each of those tasks on the big scheme of things.
The part I was not connecting the dots on was the impact on the end user, the patients that used the medicines and therapies that were being produced on the equipment, in the facilities around the world. For the next several years I worked on projects, continued learning and gaining more skills, and continued to grow in the industry. Then came the year 2016, the year that changed my perspective on everything.
A Change In Perspective
It was late 2016 and I attended an industry conference in Philadelphia, PA. The conference was great, the topics were very interesting, and I enjoyed myself. I went for a break and during that break things changed. I noticed changes in myself that were not easily explained. I called and discussed it with my wife late that day and decided a trip to the doctor was in order. I went the very next day after returning home. It was Saturday. I went to a clinic open on weekends and the doctor noticed something and referred me to a specialist, which I was able to see the following Monday. At that follow on appointment, we noticed a large growth in my throat. I was scheduled for a biopsy the following day. Within 4 hours of that biopsy I was notified I had cancer, and it was already stage 3. My whole life changed in a matter of seconds.
I started treatment a few weeks later. During my first chemotherapy treatment, since I had plenty of time on my hands, I looked at and read the labels on the medications I was being given. I knew these companies, I knew the sites where these were being manufactured, and I knew that CAI was working at these facilities. I thought to myself that many of my fellow colleagues at CAI may have had some involvement in the production of the very products that I was being given. I also thought to myself, what if these were not available, would there be something else I could be given? Is there going to be enough to be able to cover my full treatment plan, to help me get rid of this cancer?
That is when the proverbial light bulb came on, and I then fully understood what CAI does to help our customers. I understood what the patients at the end of the manufacturing chain feel like. Not just a family member or someone I know, but me. The impact of each task we perform for our customers is important. This gave meaning I did not really understand till this point in my career. At CAI, we have always helped our clients deliver life-saving medications to the population of the world, those patients who really need it. I feel this helped shape the rest of my career with CAI. The job took on a completely different meaning and helped shape how I approached everyday tasks.
A New Outlook
As my career is coming to a close and retirement is on the horizon, I am proud to be a part of a company that does so much to help others and the effects on patient lives. Working in this industry and part of CAI has been an honor.