Local 853 People

Union members walk to cure MS

On May 2, 2009, the TeamMSters gathered at Alameda’s Crown Beach for the 10th year in a row to participate in the MS Walk. Friends, family, and colleagues of Janine Vanier, who works as Executive Assistant to Secretary-Treasurer Rome Aloise, came together for this special event to raise money and awareness for the debilitating disease that is Multiple Sclerosis.

Janine was diagnosed with MS in 1987. Of course she had emotions of great sadness and anger, but eventually turned those feelings into action. She finally disclosed her illness to Rome and to the office staff, and since then, there has been no stopping her fundraising efforts and support every year.

For the Officers, Business Representatives and staff of Local 853, this day and what it means to Janine and other people suffering with MS, is a no-brainer. Every day, we see the debilitating effects the disease has, but yet the hope in Janine’s eyes and words never fades. It is an extremely empowering feeling to be a part of something so special, and an event that raises money for so many people who benefit from the research and new medications it provides.

The Walk was a great success, especially for the TeamMSters, with beautiful weather, and a lot of money raised for the cause. But, more importantly, it is the feeling of triumph we get by looking at each other and realizing that together we can beat MS, for Janine, and for everyone who suffers in its grip.

Recording Secretary Antonio Christian named Director of IBT Human Rights Commission

When long-time Human Rights Commission Director Cheryl Johnson retired, it took four and a half people to replace her. One of those taking a piece of her former duties is Local 853 Recording Secretary Antonio Christian.

“My job will be to manage the diversity of the union. We have to do mentoring, especially as baby boomers move on. Also, we have to teach people about community service and how to volunteer and work in their communities effectively, so that when members need community support, they’ll know who the Teamsters are and they’ll know that we’re available to help.”

Christian’s main duties will be to oversee the Hoffa Scholarship program, the IBTs disaster relief efforts, the 40-person Human Rights Commission, and the Helmets to Hardhats program.

Long-time Teamster Jim McEvoy shares a kidney with his neighbor

More than offering to water the lawn, Jim McEvoy offered his kidney to the woman across the street, raising the bar for neighbors everywhere.

McEvoy has worked at Right-Away Redi Mix for 20 years. A strong union supporter, he was instrumental in the Teamsters Local 853 organizing drive 10 years ago and has been an active member ever since.

Kim Mendes, a lifelong San Leandro resident who lives across the street from McEvoy, required a kidney transplant last year when she began to experience the side-effects of her Type 1 diabetes. Once McEvoy learned she was going on the donor list and beginning dialysis, he offered to help.

“I’m not Lance Armstrong, and you don’t have to be,” said McEvoy. “I’m just a normal healthy guy with two kids and a mortgage.”

When the tests came back and McEvoy and Mendes were a match, they began their journey. UCSF Medical Center, where the screenings and operations took place, is the nation’s leading center for kidney transplants. “I probably received some of the most in-depth medical examinations I’ll ever have in my life,” said McEvoy.

The pair originally planned to undergo surgery in September but their plans hit a snag when Jim broke his ankle. The surgery was re-scheduled for Oct. 17, but on Oct. 13, during a routine check-up, Kim learned she needed a triple bypass. The two say it was almost a blessing in disguise that they had to overcome so many setbacks. Had Jim not broken his ankle there might not have been time for Kim’s heart condition to be diagnosed.

Finally, just before Thanksgiving, Jim and Kim received the all-clear from their doctors, and scheduled the surgery date. On Dec. 19 the neighbors carpooled to UCSF together, and a short three days later, they carpooled home together

. “I still have a lot of recovery ahead,” says Mendes. “But Jim saved me when none of my own family members were eligible to donate.”

McEvoy is back to work while Mendes faces more recovery and possibly a pancreas transplant; but the pair check up on one another on their daily walks with their dogs.

“I’m aware that I donated my kidney,” says McEvoy. “But I’m unaware that I’m missing anything.”