In June of 2016, I joined Park Place Technologies in Cleveland, Ohio, fresh out of college and eager to begin my career. Just a few months later, I met my new boss, Jennifer Deutsch, a meeting that would leave a lasting imprint on both my professional path and my life.

Jennifer taught me so much about business, how to build meaningful customer relationships, think strategically about marketing, lead Advisory Board meetings, and execute impactful trade shows and events. But what truly set her apart were the life lessons she shared: how to lead with empathy, show up for others, and navigate challenges with strength and grace. Those lessons would prove invaluable in ways I never could have imagined.

On Christmas Day in 2022, my life took an unexpected and frightening turn. In front of my family, I suffered a seizure and woke up in the emergency room. Doctors stood at the foot of my bed reviewing an MRI that revealed a large benign brain tumor pressing against my brain. Given its size and growth, they stressed the urgency of immediate surgery.

With my family beside me, one of my first calls was to Jennifer. I knew I wouldn’t be returning to work after the New Year but more importantly, I needed guidance. Without hesitation, Jennifer put everything aside and stepped in, not as a boss, but as “Granny.”

Through her relationships and unwavering support, she quickly helped connect me with specialists at the Cleveland Clinic to determine the best possible course of action. Once it became clear how urgent the situation was, I found myself in the care of some of the top doctors and neurologists, not only at the Cleveland Clinic, but across a broader national network.

The surgery lasted just under seven hours and thankfully, it was a success.

Now, nearly four years later, I’m grateful to say that each healthy check-up puts more distance between me and that incredibly difficult time. It also brings a renewed sense of purpose.

Today, I feel a deep responsibility to give back. I can’t think of a better way to do that than by supporting Jennifer, Granny-O-La, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. What started as a professional relationship evolved into something far more meaningful, a reminder of the power of compassion, community, and showing up when it matters most.

This experience changed me. It taught me not to take a single day for granted and to remember that everyone is fighting battles we may not see. Through a shared mission and even something as simple as a delicious, healthy snack, we have the opportunity to support one another and  and hopefully find a cure to beat this disease.  .

I am forever grateful.

Drew Teller
Sr. Partner Marketing Manager
Park Place Technologies

Drew and Rachel Teller, big Granny-O-La fans!