By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Known as a place where community care and customer service go hand-in-hand, First Citizens Bank (FCB) takes pride in being more than a bank; it is a network of support, a place where employees and customers alike become family.

Founded July 8, 1980, now with branches in Luverne, Fort Deposit, Greenville, Hayneville and Highland Home, FCB operates with a commitment to local management and a conservative approach to meeting the needs of customers in an affordable and effective manner.

True to their founding values, the bank’s commitment to its community shines through its support of employees, including breast cancer survivors Marie Moore Owens, Mollie Thomas and Janice Hollis. 

Perseverance Through Treatment

At the Luverne branch, Janice Hollis bravely confronted a breast cancer diagnosis in January 2023. The news came as a shock, but Hollis found solace in her faith and the skilled care provided by her team at Montgomery Cancer Center. Her treatments, which included five rounds of chemotherapy and 30 radiation sessions, tested her resolve. Yet, she never wavered in her trust in God.

“I give all the praise for my recovery to the Lord,” Hollis said. “With His help and the support of loved ones, I made it through. I hope and pray that I can be a blessing to others facing breast cancer.” 

Now cancer-free, Hollis’ strength serves as a powerful reminder of perseverance and the importance of a strong support network.

Faith Through Early Diagnosis

Marie Moore Owens, who works at First Citizens’ Greenville branch, is navigating a recent breast cancer diagnosis with an unshakable faith and a robust support network. Because her mother faced breast cancer twice, Owens has been vigilant with screenings, undergoing annual MRIs in addition to mammograms. 

“I would not be able to carry on without my support system and prayer warriors,” Owens said. “My faith in God, along with their love, gives me strength.”

According to her surgeon, the diligence Owens executed in cancer screenings led to an early-stage diagnosis that may have otherwise gone unnoticed for another six-nine months.

Owens had a successful surgery Sept. 5 to remove a tumor and began radiation treatments in October. She is expected to fully recover and hopes her story emphasizes the dire necessity of regular screenings. 

“Let’s continue to uplift and support those fighting this battle,” she urged. “Early detection is key to survivorship.”

Sharing Hope Through Survival

A survivor of nine years, Mollie Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2015 and declared cancer-free by December of the same year. Reflecting on her experience, Thomas believes that her journey is meant to inspire others and be a beacon of hope.

“When I received my diagnosis, I remember telling my husband this battle was not just for me — God was using me as a tool to help others,” Thomas said. 

Thomas considers it a blessing to be able to bring hope and comfort to those close to her who have also been touched by cancer.

Now she encourages others to “know your body” and stresses the importance of regular mammograms. 

“You must know your body and continue to get regular checkups,” she said. “I pray that I will continue to be able to help others through this journey I was assigned to.”

Message of Hope, Awareness

As First Citizens Bank honors these three women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the community bank also shares a message for the community: stay informed, be proactive and support one another. Through their experiences, Owens, Thomas and Hollis hope to inspire others and shed light on the importance of faith, family and community during the fight against not only breast cancer, but all cancer diagnoses.