At Genesis BCS, we feel a strong sense of duty to those in need, in our city, nation, and all around the world. We’re dedicated to carrying out the instructions of Acts 20:35, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
That’s why the men and women of Genesis BCS hold giving back as not just a way to act, but a way of life. Below you’ll find some of the ways Genesis works to help others…and ways that you can join us!
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF)
Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of mitochondria, specialized compartments present in almost every cell of the body. They are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. When mitochondria fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. When this happens, cell injury and even cell death follow. If this process is repeated on a large scale throughout the body, whole systems begin to fail.
The majority of childhood onset mitochondrial diseases are inherited, although there are cases in which the disorder seems to be a random occurrence. In children, mitochondrial diseases can cause digestion problems, inability to move limbs, lack of energy, seizures, blindness, and many times, death.
For almost a decade, Genesis BCS has played an active role in the leadership of the local and national UMDF. Debra Schindler, Founder and President of Genesis BCS, organized and founded the Houston Chapter of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation in 2004 after her 11 year old son, Christopher, lost his battle with mitochondrial disease.
Through her efforts, the efforts of her eldest son Kyle, now Director of Sales at Genesis BCS, and dedication from dozens of Houston residents who have been touched by mitochondrial disease, the Houston chapter has raised almost $700,000 for research efforts.
Debra Schindler-Boultinghouse has recently retired from her longtime position of President of the chapter, but only to make a positive impact on the national level. As a recently selected Trustee of the UMDF National Board, Debra will have a say in decisions that affect thousands, and she’ll bring her strong drive to find a cure for mitochondrial disease onto the national stage.
Kyle Schindler will continue to take a leadership role at the local level, and Genesis is committed to giving resources – financial and material – to help this very deserving organization.
If you’d like to find out more about UMDF and possibly make a donation or volunteer, click here.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that gradually weakens the body’s muscles. It’s caused by incorrect or missing genetic information that prevents the body from making the proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles. A child who is diagnosed with MD gradually loses the ability to do things like walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands. This increasing weakness can lead to other health problems.
There are several major forms of muscular dystrophy, which can affect the muscles to varying degrees. In some cases, MD starts causing muscle problems in infancy; in others, symptoms don’t appear until adulthood.
There is no cure for MD, but researchers are quickly learning more about how to prevent and treat it. Doctors are also working on improving muscle and joint function and slowing muscle deterioration so that those with MD can live as actively and independently as possible.
In 2013, Genesis BCS participated for the first time in the Gilbane Golf Classic, benefiting primarily the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Genesis BCS Cabling Consultant Jeanie Jacobs has helped organize the event for seven years. In 2013, she and members of the Genesis team took responsibility for putting together gift baskets for a silent auction held during the tournament. Genesis donated the contents of several of the baskets, which themselves raised more than $6,000.
Though totals aren’t yet available for the March 25th golf classic, if previous years are any indication, funds raised were substantial.
Genesis BCS is dedicated to continuing to put forth our efforts for this very worthy cause. If you’d like to join us by making a donation or volunteering your time, click here.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Last December, Genesis organized a Christmas toy drive benefiting the children at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Together with our customers, and contractors, we collected dozens of toys that were delivered to them on Christmas morning. Truly some of the bravest kids around, we felt called to show them how much we admire their bravery, enjoy their smiles, and are praying for their recoveries.
If you’d like to find a way to get involved as a volunteer at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, click here.