Connect
To Top

Meet Mariea Vasquez of Mariea’s mission in Metro Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariea Vasquez.

Mariea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
2017, I received dark news, news that would change me as a person forever. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative Breast Cancer. For the next year, I would go thru surgeries, Chemo, and Radiation. While ill, I realized there weren’t enough financial resources for women while in treatment for Breast Cancer. Knowing first hand how difficult not working during treatment can be financially, I vowed when I got better to help other women that might be experiencing hardships during their journey. I would start a non-profit in mid-2018, and today, we are helping many and growing every day.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing has ever been totally smooth I guess that’s why I’m such a fighter. Close to the end of the treatment, I filed for divorce from my husband of 28 years. Being sick was truly a turning point in my life, and I realized the relationship was destroying me as a person, and I needed to end it. It’s never easy leaving something familiar but I knew it had to be done.

Please tell us about Mariea’s Mission.
We are a Non-Profit Organization for Woman fighting Breast Cancer, like so many organizations here in the valley we offer resources and information, but what sets us apart is we provide financial assistance to a woman currently fighting Breast Cancer. Those much-needed donations to our recipients help with their everyday living expenses and help lessen the financial burden so they can concentrate on fighting the horrible disease. I’m very familiar with many organizations because I experienced the journey first hand, I think the most important thing for these women is knowing someone that has walked in their shoes is there for them.

What are you striving for, what criteria or markers have you set as indicators of success?
When I was younger, success was everything that glittered and sparkled. But facing death straight in the face changes your priorities and therefore redefined success. Today, success is knowing I will leave a legacy, and while I’m here, I’m giving the best of me, and the return is so sweet, its priceless. We are growing at a fast pace, our goal is to help as many women in the valley as we can and to spread the word there is help out there.

Contact Info:

 

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in