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Cancer and Hope for the Holidays

by Mike Ma

As the holiday season is upon us, I've spent a lot of time thinking about why I like the business that I am in -- it really comes down to the people I'm lucky enough to meet in my tenure at kasina.

It's with a heavy heart I point out two dear friends of the firm who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. While their situations are indeed unfortunate, and I get teary-eyed just thinking about them, their strength, humor, and resolve truly give me something to think about and learn from. I'd like to honor them with some real estate on our little part of the internet:

• Jenn (Grady) Dorsey has been a client and a friend that I got to know during her tenure at Columbia Management. She has a laugh that can brighten a room, and chances are, she's the one who told the joke. I've been admiring how she can make me cry and laugh at the same time. Please visit her and show her some love at CaringBridge.
• Dave McCalley at American Century is one of the most focused, talented people I've ever come across. Whether it is in his job in connecting with shareholders, or playing the trumpet, or advising national teams on long-distance running, he brings an intellect and passion that is amazing to everything he does. I find inspiration from him at his blog.

I think cancer has picked two people who shouldn't be trifled with, and I feel lucky and honored to continue to learn from them as they pull through these difficult times.

In the meanwhile, I'd ask that people honor them through their own efforts ... leave a note or a comment on their sites, or make a contribution. We are proud sponsors of Mutual Funds Against Cancer, and hope that you can become more involved, too.