Maria Cortes lost a daughter‌ but helps others, and is still standing [by Marina Rosado]
O
n Saturday, August 15, 2009, Claudia Medina-Cortes was driving on 42nd and D streets accompanied by her 6-year-old daughter, Alia Medina. Claudia was more than eight months pregnant and was waiting anxiously for the birth of little Joshua James. But around 9:30 a.m. a spectacular accident would end her life and the life of her child. “Everything changed for forever,� said Maria Cortes, mother of the late Claudia, “it wasn’t like I was left regretting not being happy by my daughter’s side, on the contrary we were always very close, we were best friends, but losing her left me really sad, and I was terribly sick,� said Maria. Maria received medical treatment and continued fighting in the midst of severe depression. “I don’t know how to exist without doing anything,� she said. “Anything I can do, with cans of food and clothing, I drove through the streets of Omaha during the night looking for those who don’t have homes to share what I have with them. I also visited the sick in the hospital, to give them company or give someone a massage, but without charging a cent, only for the simple desire to help.� With the guidance of a psychologist, Maria realized that keeping busy is the best therapy. After four months she decided to open a second-hand shop. “I didn’t have enough money to rent a big location, as my business is small, but well stocked,� Maria said. “We are inside of the La Providencia Commercial Center and we sell
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clothes and shoes for the whole family, things for the home, and electronics at very, very economical prices.� Maria’s business is called Segunda #1, and survives on donations: “I work at Wal-Mart and that salary is my main income, because this shop did not open to make money, but to help those families who can’t spend much but need the necessities.� Maria leaves her home early to distribute flyers in parking lots concerning her shop. Her other two daughters, Celia Blizzard and Norma Medina, also support her and it is Norma’s son who gave her the inspiration for an important project. “My grandson is autistic and I had realized all that children like him need and how expensive his therapies are,� she said. “So my dream is to have enough capital to be become accredited and found an association to help children with autism. I know that I will have to work hard in order to achieve this, and I also know that life is short, but it’s because of that a person has to do everything possible in order to leave the best for us here on this earth, to be in peace with everyone and to enjoy all that one has!� Segunda #1 Used merchandise in good condition 4810 South 24th Street Omaha, NE 68107 402.690. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 am – 8:30 pm and Sundays from 11 am – 5 pm Accepting donations
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