ED KUEBLER

Where do you live? What do you like about it? Do you have any pets?

I live in Lewes, Delaware. My pet is Monkey, my cat. I have had her for ten and a half years, since she was seven weeks old. I love where I live. Lewes is one of the oldest towns in the U.S., with Delaware being the first state. There is no tax on anything you buy, and property taxes are pretty low.

Summers in Lewes/Rehoboth are busy so traffic can be a challenge. However there is always something to do and something for everyone. I believe Lewes is the fourth largest chicken producer in the U.S., so lots of rural areas with cornfields. My favorite season is the Fall. The colors are so amazing and the sun rising over the cornfields is breathtaking. I live four miles from the ocean.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

You would be surprised to know I am a pretty good ballroom dancer… or I used to be! I was fired from McDonalds when I was 19 years old.

You co-founded the Foundation in 2017 with Jeanette. How have you seen it grow and evolve over time?

I was very fortunate to find the connection with Jeanette to be in on the front end of the VWD Connect Foundation. It was a vision to meet the needs of VWD patients and families in a way that was about community, education and connection. I have watched the foundation grow into the vision we had and then so much more. I am so proud of the VWD Connect Foundation, Jeanette’s hard work making the dream come true and my new family the Cestas!

How long did you work in helping professions? What has working with people taught you about them? About yourself?

I have worked in the “helping” profession for over 40 years. As a social worker, it was my calling in life and I have had the honor to work with people, families and other professionals who taught me so much about helping others and myself. What a journey!

What I have learned more recently is there is no wrong way to do life, only better choices. If you know better… do better. People are amazing if you take the time to get to know them and kindness goes a long way.

Lastly, people are more important than politics, pandemics and disagreements. Those come and go, but the relationships you build, nurture and cultivate will be with you for a very long time.