Giving Our All in Giving Back

By Helene Pamon, General Manager, Head of Pain & Sleep

We are living in very challenging times, but the past few years have taught us that there are great opportunities to come together, seek meaningful solutions and give back to the communities in which we live. In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and our country’s civil unrest, I’m certain we have all taken a thoughtful look inward and adjusted professionally to a new norm. We’ve also demonstrated our industry’s resiliency and generosity in the process. I truly believe as a consumer healthcare industry we can be agents for change and a force for good in our communities. At Sanofi, we will continue to work in partnership with key stakeholders inside and out to create a more beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive world for all.

On a personal level, looking back on my upbringing and then my career thus far, I am grateful and thankful for my parents, a 2nd generation Tuskegee Airman and an educator and community service advocate, in being the fuel behind my personal mission in being a champion for good. It’s because of this that I could not be more thrilled of our recent partnership with The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in opening up our new Icy Hot® “Comebaq Court” in Newark, New Jersey. To say I was honored to be a part of this initiative would be an understatement.

Not all communities have the resources available to rebuild healthy places for children to play, but this worthwhile endeavor is giving athletes in underserved communities an opportunity to get back in the game. The Comebaq Court is helping kids have fun, but it’s also an opportunity for them to connect and grow. Also, in the spirit of innovation and education, we’ve partnered with Shaq to donate Kindles to inspire these kids both on and off the court.

The mission of Icy Hot® has always been to help athletes rise from pain, and as we enter this new normal, we’re committed to helping the Newark community return to play -- and are excited to leverage one of our young athletes’ favorite downtime activities to do it. I was not only able to see the joy this court brought to the kids, but I was able to talk with members of the community about how we could support their vision for the future.

To learn more about Sanofi’s partnership with the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and the opening of this, the latest Comebaq Court, click here.