Alexander’s prides ourselves on looking out for our employees. And usually, we find a lot to be thankful for. This year, our gratitude has an edge of bittersweet as we focus on one of our employees and her struggles.
Update
On November 26, 2017, Maria Payan passed away. Because she worked for Alexander’s for so many years, she was very close to many of us. We will miss her, but we can always remember her as a happy, kind person who loved working with her friends.
Alexander’s wants to thank those who supported and cared for her and her family while she was sick. For those who wish to continue supporting Maria’s family at this time, please visit Maria’s funding campaign here. Thank you for your continued support!
Maria Payan
Since 2016, 32-year-old Maria has fought with breast cancer. Since that time, she’s gone through chemo, radiation, mastectomy and a reconstruction surgery, completing her initial treatments the end of April this year.
This August, she found another lump and headed to the doctor. She learned that the cancer had spread to her head, neck, bones and several other areas of her body. Her prognosis is now terminal. This comes at a difficult time for her 6 children, ages 3-15, for whom she is a single mother.
However, Maria is a fighter. She fights right now for every moment possible with her children. And that determination is something Alexander’s is proud of.
Says Tara Jones, our Customer Service Manager, “I have worked with Maria for many years; she is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met. She showed up through chemo, radiation, and extremely low blood pressure. There have been days we’ve had to send her home to get the rest she needs.”
Jones speaks of Maria’s positivity as well. “Perhaps the most remarkable thing about all this is that she does it with a smile on her face. Even on her worst days, she is positive and strong beyond belief.”
Helping out
At this time of year, we are thankful for our many wonderful team members, and for their determination and positivity. We’re also grateful for their willingness to step up and help one another, regardless of their needs.
We have set up funding to help Maria and her family during her treatment. Our staff and team members are contributing to it, showing their dedication and compassion for one another that makes Alexander’s a stronger, better place to work.
