With her engaging spirit and warm smile, Sharon Laszlo, ABB Lightalarms Internal Sales Representative, is the kind of person who makes an impression the moment you meet her. She has a vibrant energy and positive outlook on life, and channels that energy into her job and family.
There’s a saying I use all the time: We’re here for a good time, not a long time, so enjoy the ride.”
Sharon’s passion for a fruitful and vivacious life stems from the unfortunate hardships she has dealt with in the past. When her father and mother passed away after struggling with cancer, their deaths marked the beginning of one of the most difficult periods of Sharon’s life and finding inner strength when faced with adversity.
The journey
They say nothing prepares you for cancer. But for years, cancer was a dark cloud hanging over Sharon’s head. When her father passed away from the devastating disease, his death left Sharon in a state of hopelessness and depression. Because of her father’s illness, Sharon was persistent about checking her own body in fear that there may be signs something was off.
“Every ache or pain I had, I thought “That’s it, I’m going to die. That’s it, I have cancer.”
Eight years later, when her mother passed away from cancer, Sharon was devastated for months on end. But as she grieved, she had a revelation that would change her life forever.
Taking the positive route
In 2009, Sharon was confronted with the toughest ordeal she would ever face. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. The memory still vivid, she explains her reaction to the gruelling diagnosis, “I fell to my knees at first, and allowed myself one day to be sad. Then I decided, no more of this. I’m going to get through this and stay positive.”
Sharon knew it would be difficult but had to keep going for herself and her family. “I was raising three kids on my own. My youngest was ten, and they needed me.”
Throughout her treatment, Sharon insisted on going to work even after her doctor’s recommendation to stay home during her chemotherapy treatments. She found encouragement and support from her friends and co-workers. “I love the people I work with; they’re like family.”
Being in the office meant Sharon was in a space where she could take her mind off treatments and be among friends and colleagues. Keeping busy allowed her to focus on what truly mattered, which was taking care of her health and her family.
“I kept bugging the doctors to let me go to work instead of sitting at home thinking about it. Going to work helped me and my kids see that I was going to be fine.”
Sharon’s positivity had not only changed her life but also impacted others on her team. Her manager, Claire Bernier, stated, “Sharon has definitely made an impact on me, with her attitude and being so optimistic. Her strength is unmatched. Even now, when she doesn’t feel 100%, she stays positive and always does her best. For Sharon, coming to work is like coming to her family. This is what shaped her meaning and purpose on what she does every day at work.”
Even in a stressful job, Sharon is constantly talking to customers, making sure their issues are tended to and resolved. She explains, “I’m a people person and I have a great rapport with the people I speak to on the phone. Even when they’re stern I turn it around and assure them that we’re doing our best and we’re going to help. That’s what I’m here for.”
Being alive
Today, eight years later, Sharon has fully recovered and is living a healthy life. Her kids are now adults that have grown up with an inspiring mother who has chosen to face the world with courage and joy.
Sharon spends her spare time at the Dorval Royal Canadian Legion, where she plays darts several times a week, and plans parties and fundraisers for the organization when needed.
Sharon’s positive attitude is not built on empty affirmations, it is a foundational belief system that keeps her anchored and even provides guidance for those around her. In Sharon’s words, “I enjoy life, and I want to be here. Staying positive changes everything. I treat every day as a blessing, and I knew that my cancer diagnosis was not the end.”
