I was diagnosed with cancer in July 2023, and I honestly did not know what to expect. It is one of those things you never think will happen to you—until it does. And when it does, everything changes. On the day I received my diagnosis of endometrial cancer, I was on my way to my son’s house.
My son’s wife was scheduled for a C-section the following day, and I was not going to let anything stop me from meeting my first grandchild. But in that 7-hour car ride, I found myself coming to terms with something much bigger than the everyday struggles of life. It was overwhelming, scary, and isolating. But as I sit here today reflecting on that journey, one thing is clear: I would not have made it through without the incredible support of my family and coworkers.
Let me backtrack a bit. I, Stacey Kreisler, have worked at LD Davis for over 20 years. We are a 3rd-generation, 99-year-old adhesive manufacturer (yes, it’s as glamorous as it sounds!), but you probably already knew that since you’re reading our blog. We are not a Fortune 500 company, and we’re not a 10-person startup either. We are a midsize manufacturing company based in the United States.
When I got the call that I needed to meet with a gynecologic oncologist because of my diagnosis, one of my first calls, after family, was to Tripp Davis, our owner and fearless leader. He said, “Do whatever you need to do to get better.” The weight of that statement lifted a huge burden and allowed me to focus on my health. I knew we had a culture of supporting each other—but now, that culture was being put to the test.
How My Team Made the Difference
When I first shared my diagnosis with the team, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t want to be a burden. But from the very beginning, my team all rallied around me. What followed wasn’t just a few kind words or gestures—it was a constant presence, a real sense of “we’re in this together.”
I remember feeling overwhelmed with gratitude as my coworkers stepped in to handle my workload. It wasn’t just about covering for me—it was about making sure I could focus on getting better, knowing my responsibilities were being taken care of. That meant customer needs were still being met, and operations kept running smoothly. Whether it was picking up tasks I couldn’t finish or simply checking in to see how I was doing, every little action made a huge difference. It gave me the space to focus on my health without the constant stress of work piling up.
But it wasn’t just about the work support. It was the emotional support—the texts, the phone calls, the little gifts that showed I wasn’t alone. These gestures meant the world to me and helped me stay grounded in the toughest moments.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Stacey Kreisler with her grandchild.
To my coworkers: I don’t even have the right words to fully express how Thankful I am. You all showed me a level of kindness, understanding, and support that I will never forget. You made a dark time in my life so much brighter, and for that, I will always be thankful.
And to anyone reading this who may be going through a tough time, you don’t have to face it alone. Lean on the people around you—whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues. There is so much strength in the community, and I can speak from experience when I say that having the support of others can make all the difference in the world.
Cancer taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of hope, but it also taught me that no one is an island. We are stronger when we come together—whether in the workplace or in life. So, thank you to my team and everyone who’s ever been there for me. You’ve shown me what genuine support looks like, and I will be forever thankful for it.
