Families First: Please tell us about yourself.

Ariel Cudkowicz: I’m a husband and father first, but that’s a difficult balance because I’m also an attorney and a managing partner at Seyfarth Shaw. The biggest challenge of my life is balancing my work with being an engaged husband and father.

FF: How did you get involved with Families First?

Ariel: My son, Daniel, is 12 now, but when he was younger, my wife, Joanne, battled breast cancer—twice. Thankfully, she won, but during that crisis, I had to step up and do more. I was introduced to Families First through a Father’s Breakfast event. Hearing parents who were helped by Families First speak about their challenges made me say, “Wow look at all that this parent has overcome.” It was inspirational at a time when I needed inspiration. I’m involved with other charities and, with the exception of a breast cancer charity, no other organization has touched me in the same way.

FF: What would you say to folks thinking about getting more involved with Families First?

Ariel: I would encourage people to experience for themselves either a Gathering or a workshop or a speaker. Parenting support transcends socioeconomic differences. Once you see how it applies to you, it’s easy to throw your hat in—it’s natural to support this kind of service available for parents with fewer resources.