Fellow PG&E family

As you know, the fight against cancer is something that affects all of us in one way or another.  There is no one I know who can say they do not have a family member, friend or colleague who hasn’t battled this illness. 

My name is Shannon Varjassy and I have asked Christine Cowsert to help me spread the word of a cause that is near and dear to my heart.

I am sure a lot of you have had the pleasure of getting to know Maria Barraza or have seen her around here at Bishop Ranch over the past number of years.  She is an extremely outgoing lady whom I have become friends with over the past 4+ years. 

Maria was diagnosed with cancer back on April 11, 2017.  She and I were in contact a lot during her treatment and since that time.  I was so glad when she told me her scans looked good after she had completed Chemo.  That is the news everyone wants to hear.  Unfortunately, that was short lived. 

Maria called me in early November to let me know her cancer was back.  This was very difficult to hear as she does not have any sick time she can use.  Furthermore, this time she is doing 16 rounds of weekly chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy treatments are difficult at the best of times, and weekly treatments are even more arduous, as just when you start to recover from the previous week you’re going back for the next session. 

I asked her about taking time off during chemotherapy, but she told me she cannot afford it based on the disability amount paid by the state for leave.  It broke my heart that her health is taking a backseat to putting food on the table for her family. 

This time of year, it seems everyone is looking for a cause where they can do some good.  This year, I would like to make Maria Barraza our cause for 2019. 

All funds raised will be given directly to Maria to use for living expenses, medical bills or and anything else she needs so she does not have to worry about balancing work and chemotherapy during her treatment.