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Grace Morales: Hello, and welcome to Employee Podcasts, where Costco employees share their stories of how their benefits helped them with their personal health challenges. Today we’re joined by Mary Pellouchoud. Hi, Mary.

Mary Pellouchoud: Hi. Good morning, Grace.

Grace Morales: So, Mary, we’re going to jump right in. How long have you worked at Costco? What’s your position? And where do you work?

Mary Pellouchoud: I began my career with Costco in 2006. I work at Superior 480 in Colorado. I’m currently a full-time cashier, and I’ve also worked food court, bakery, optical, maintenance, helping with member upgrades. And last year, I got to be a part of our Workplace Giving Campaign.

Grace Morales: And what does the Workplace Giving Campaign Ambassador entail? What were your duties?

Mary Pellouchoud: Well, I get to go and speak with the employees about the joy of giving and the match that Costco provides. They’re often really amazed a small amount can make a large impact. And then some people like to go a little bigger. And that’s always fun, too.

Grace Morales: That’s amazing. And speaking of giving, what’s a story that you’d like to share with other Costco employees today?

Mary Pellouchoud: A cancer diagnosis is something none of us wants to experience. And the story I’d like to share is to help us all be proactive in health screenings and listen to our body if there’s ever a persistent pain or something we don’t understand. I had persistent stomach aches on and off and held off seeing my PCP because I didn’t regard a stomach ache as a serious enough issue to see my doctor.
And by the time I had my appointment, I was referred to a gastroenterologist, given a CT scan, which revealed a tennis ball sized mass that required major surgery, called a partial colectomy, to remove 4 feet from my colon, and pathology confirmed colon cancer, followed by chemotherapy, three six-month rounds, 36 treatments to date, and multiple surgeries. Lymph nodes involved made it worse than they thought statistically– not good. But the good thing is, I’m here. And they found it when they did. And we have amazing medical care.

Grace Morales: And did you have a family history of cancer? Is this why you decided to go in?

Mary Pellouchoud: No. Amazingly, I had no family history of cancer. My parents both lived into their 90s.

Grace Morales: When you said you had put off going to the doctor, is this something that you normally struggle with? Or are you more on top of your preventive care checks?

Mary Pellouchoud: Normally, I’m pretty proactive in my preventative care checks. I take advantage of my two dental cleanings and X-rays every year. I get to the dermatologist for a skin check every six months. I have my annual physical. I really value health as a number one asset and something to be cherished. My regular checkups served me well until I postponed my colonoscopy during COVID. And that is the one that just was turned that if I could retake time, I would make a different choice there.

Grace Morales: What are some ways you recommend other employees learn more about their benefits or if they have questions about what’s covered or what they should use?

Mary Pellouchoud: So for me personally, it is the Aetna employees and the Aetna Live Healthy team that are a lifeline, the Aetna Live Healthy team explaining my explanation of benefits, even though I have that explanation. Sometimes I needed further understanding and reassurance. The bills can seem overwhelming and help in guidance in learning that I could navigate this was immeasurable in reducing stress and making this path forward.

Grace Morales: You mentioned that you really want Costco employees to take their preventive care seriously. Tell us, what’s one thing you want Costco employees to take away from this podcast, if nothing else?

Mary Pellouchoud: One thing I want every employee to know is that this preventative colonoscopy is something to seize upon because though a colonoscopy may seem scary, I assure you, it’s not, having been through it. So I would like to eliminate the fear for people about getting this preventative procedure.
And making time for preventative care, it will decrease disruption in your life in the future. The prep has gotten easier. You can even do pill prep, in some cases. The liquid prep isn’t as bad as it used to be. And the colonoscopy itself is painless. We sleep through it. It’s a nice rest. And the caretakers, the nurses, they just will make the experience a very relaxing time for you. And it’s free under our medical plan for a preventative colonoscopy.

Grace Morales: And what’s a personal quote or motto that you live by?

Mary Pellouchoud: A couple that I think apply to what we’re talking about today, Eleanor Roosevelt said that you must do the thing that you think you cannot do. So I think that’s a way of just moving forward and persevering when we’re maybe procrastinating or unsure of something. And then another one is that those who do not have time for their health today may not have health for their time tomorrow.

Grace Morales: I love that quote. And, Mary, my last question to you is, tell me about your favorite Costco product.

Mary Pellouchoud: I really love our organic 10-pound bag of carrots. This is great for juicing, dipping in Costco hummus, just snacking, so many things. And the last one I’ll put on my list for today is the Kirkland paper towels, a must-have for anyone with a Great Dane named Dane, who might have a tendency to slobber.

Grace Morales: That’s really funny. I imagine there’s a lot of slobber for a big dog.

Mary Pellouchoud: He’s pretty good for the most part. Most of his slobber ends up on his toys.

Grace Morales: Oh, that’s so cute. Well, thank you, Mary, for joining us today and for sharing your story. I know that it’s a very vulnerable process to put yourself out there. But we appreciate your courage and your passion towards helping other Costco employees take their health seriously.

Mary Pellouchoud: Absolutely, Grace. And if there’s anything else I can do to motivate and inspire people to keep their life on track and have your free time for being outdoors or being the ones you love and taking care of your health, I’m here to help.

Grace Morales: Thank you, Mary. And thank you all for listening. Until next time, remember, we’re in this together.

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