Shirley came to us in May of 2000 when she was 59 years old. She was widowed, living on a widow pension, but she didn’t have access to health insurance. Shirley had not been feeling well for some time. She had been losing weight and having pain.  When she came to us she didn’t know where else to turn.  Shirley was seen by a volunteer physician who found a lump in her left breast.  We were able to send her for a diagnostic mammogram, then a biopsy. It was breast cancer. We were able to refer Shirley for chemotherapy. She had to have a radical mastectomy. A local plastic surgeon was getting ready to do a breast reconstruction for her at no charge when they found cancer again. Shirley went through a second round of chemotherapy.  Throughout all of this she did not qualify for Medicaid because she was never diagnosed as terminal. We coordinated her care, provided her with medications and a primary care home. Throughout all of her treatments, Shirley maintained a spirit of calm and acceptance that was a witness and comfort to us as we did our best to help her. Today Shirley is recovering from her second round of chemotherapy. She is now feeling well enough to spend time with her grandchildren.  She tells anyone who asks her what The Community Free Clinic did for her, that we did the ultimate…we saved her life.

Shirley and Charles S. were accepted into the Medication Assistance Program at the clinic two years ago.  They have been married for 40 years and are unable to work because of health problems. Shirley is being treated for diabetes, thyroid problems, seizures and has had open heart surgery as well as breast cancer. Charles has orthopedic problems and would be unable to afford his medications without help from the clinic. Dr. Adam Spitz referred them to the clinic where they qualified for the MAP. They credit this program and the clinic with their survival. Shirley states that “the clinic gives care in the community to those who can’t help themselves” and her good health at the moment is credited to the medications she receives from the various drug companies through the MAP. She also says that their income takes care of their basic needs but they “would not be able to afford the medications they both require and would not survive without this help”. Their retirement income is less than their monthly medication costs. If The Community Free Clinic was not here to provide them with their medicines, then they would be choosing between food, utilities and medicine.

Julian M. came to the clinic complaining of high blood pressure after moving back to this area from New York City several years ago. He works part-time for a local petroleum company, but does not have health insurance. Our Chronic Care Program has helped him stabilize his high blood pressure. He was also referred to a local urologist who treated him for prostate cancer. He has been monitored with stress tests and EKG’s with other referrals from the clinic thanks to the support of NorthEast Medical Center. Julian has a large family for support in this area and thinks everyone at the clinic is “very helpful and nice.”

Cindy was referred to our Night Clinic by a local physician because she had no health insurance and needed help getting medical care and prescription medications. After coming to see our volunteers physicians, Cindy was able to go back to school and become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She now has a job which provides her health insurance as well as a better income so that she can lead a more productive life. Cindy came back to volunteer at the clinic in order to “pay back what they did for me.”