Commentary by Erin Murphy
She may be a newer member of our City of Westfield team, but she has already made an impact.
On paper, Cari Hahn is Mayor Andy Cook’s executive assistant, but her role has become so much more. If you’re feeling like you need a little pick-me-up, you stop by Cari’s office. She will greet you with a warm smile and launch in to some hilarious story involving her kids, and her infectious laugh will follow, which will be just what you needed to change your day around. This hasn’t changed as she is always trying to make other people laugh even though for the past five months Cari has been battling breast cancer.
In March, Cari found a lump on her breast. She got it checked out, and sure enough it was cancer, but then as doctors did their due diligence they checked and there was another spot that tested positive. Since then Cari has had surgery, and she has just finished her second round of chemotherapy.
In the months that followed her diagnosis, Cari’s co-workers have wanted to give back. Cari received a box of sunshine, which contained anything and everything that will make her smile. From a yellow boa to yellow Big Bird slippers, the box is meant to help her forget about her problems, even if it is just for a moment. Also, employees banned together and donated 1,492 hours of sick time for Cari to use, and employees show their support by wearing a hat or a handkerchief on their head every Friday. Just another way to remind Cari the city is not just her employer, but an extension of her family.
Cari still has more rounds of chemo and she will soon begin radiation, but no matter what is going on in her life she still greets you with a smile and a funny story.
