This story from the “I AM ZACHRY” series starts with something sad, but Gaye Marie Troxclair drew hope and inspiration from the experience.

I was living in a small town when my 12-year-old sister was diagnosed with cancer. Our community rallied round, putting together a mini-fair to raise needed money, and the kindness changed my life. I saw how much the support of the community meant.

It inspired me to return the kindness, and during my 15 years with Zachry I’ve had several opportunities to make a difference. As field administrative services manager and the coordinator for community activities at the Monsanto site in Luling, La., I get to help people every day.

I’m also supported by the Zachry employees on site, with each of us getting involved in the community. Examples would be the United Way, a holiday toy drive, a 5K Bridge Race, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, which has raised $60,000 in the past 10 years.

I especially remember the night Hurricane Katrina battered the Louisiana coast. Even as the evacuations were going on, we were preparing for the aftermath. The payroll clerk, timekeeper and I got to the site to do what we could before the hurricane hit. We transmitted payroll, secured the office and then turned to evacuation. Afterwards, it was clear Katrina had hit the site very hard. We got in touch with people who had not come back to work to make sure they were okay, and I was glad to be able to help those whose lives had been devastated by the storm.

I believe in the Zachry value of doing the right thing — of always trying to make a difference. That’s why at work and in the community it’s important to me to be there for others. And that’s why I AM ZACHRY.