Sequent, Pivotal go ‘wild’ for juvenile diabetes cure

A 7-year-old boy who has to wear an insulin pump and draw blood from his fingertips daily has been such an inspiration to the employees at Sequent Energy Management and Pivotal Energy Development that their dedication to finding a cure was recognized by the Houston Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at its annual awards reception.

Young Ethan Lang, son of Vice President Marshall Lang, was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 2. He also served as one of the award presenters at the reception on Feb. 19, 2008.

Sequent and Pivotal employees were honored for their outstanding efforts in the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes Campaign. The team raised $23,210 during the “Wild for a Cure” walk on Nov. 8. The Sequent/Pivotal team consisted of more than 48 employees, family members and friends dressed in brown animal-print T-shirts and visors. The children on the team held animal-print balloons.

At the reception, Human Resources Analyst Julie Clyatt, Marshall, his wife Suzette and their son, Ethan, were each presented with a Golden Sneaker Award for raising more than $1,000 for the cure.

As a result of the outstanding work and company support that Sequent and Pivotal has provided to the JDRF cause, Sequent President Doug Schantz was asked to serve as the corporate chair for the 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes. Molly Naylor, executive director of the Houston JDRF chapter, made glowing remarks about the company and announced Doug’s acceptance of this prestigious role.

The theme for 2009 walk will be “Blast off to a Cure.” With “Captain Kirk” Schantz at the helm, the Sequent Enterprise team plans to increase its membership and strengthen its fundraising efforts.

“Our hearts and support go out to Ethan and all those who must deal with diabetes on a day-to-day basis,” says Doug. “It is through the dedication of people such as the employees of Sequent, Pivotal and AGL Resources that a cure will be found for this costly disease.”

Pictured from left: Carol Tomko, facilities and events coordinator; Doug Schantz, former president, Sequent Energy Management; Molly Naylor, executive director, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Houston Gulf Coast Chapter; Marshall Lang, vice president of origination, Sequent; Suzette Lang; and Ambassador Ethan Lang.