VOLUNTEER VIDEO
Not only is the clinic life-changing for patients, it is a meaningful place for everyone, including volunteers.
Here are three who share their stories (captions available):
DONOR QUOTES
Hundreds of generous people support the work of Neighborhood Clinic. Here’s what a few of them have to say (click to enlarge):
PATIENT STORIES
Our first patient is a Hispanic woman in her 40’s who is a single mom and a widow. She’s been to the clinic many times over the years, “more than 10 for sure,” her first visit being in 2008. She considers herself healthy overall but comes 2-3 times a year. Her husband passed away in a car accident 10 years ago. “Since I started coming to Neighborhood Clinic, I have never had to decide between feeding my children and providing a safe place to live for them, versus my health or being able to afford a needed medication. I am immensely thankful for all the doctors, medical staff, and so many donors who has help this clinic to stay open, it’s a life saving place.”
Our second story is about a couple. Sometime early in 2020, these patients received wonderful news: “Our first grandchild was born and healthy, we rushed to pack and prepare our trip. But little we knew that still a year later we would be here.” The couple came to the United States to visit their newborn grandchild and has been here ever since. One of them is in remission from lung cancer, and both are diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, requiring close doctor supervision and daily medications. They brought enough medication for probably a couple of months. Once COVID-19 hit, and all the restrictions happened, they thought, “What are we going to do?” A friend of their son told them about Neighborhood Clinic. “We don’t feel having or doing enough through words to express our gratitude for taking care of our medical needs, and with open arms and a great smile making us feel welcome. You ALL have been our saviours through these tough times and we are forever grateful.”
Our final story is about a white man in his 30’s. He is married, unemployed, and was born and raised in Tacoma. “I’ve always had health insurance. First through my parents, then through work. I have worked in the same company for 10 years, then a year ago due to all that’s happening with the pandemic, we had to close and found myself unemployed and with no health care. I got really sick and had to go to ED, it was a pulmonary embolism (PE). Since then, my life depends on a few medications. I have a lot of unpaid medical bills. About three months ago while searching online your clinic night came up, so decided to come down…maybe they’ll be able to help…and you did. For a long time I struggled…but not anymore. So whoever or whomever is/are the people who are helping you to stay open, please let them know that they are not only helping me, they’re also helping my family. Thank you.”
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