#MondayMorningMercy is our series highlighting some of the best stories that truly explain the meaning of Feed. Clothe. House. Heal. This week we share the story of how a man incapacitated by ulcers got back on his feet by turning to the St. Vincent de Paul clinic.
Next week, the Virginia G. Piper Medical and Dental Clinic will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Since 1994, the clinic provided nearly 225,000 appointments to patients who had nowhere else to turn for health and dental care.
Today, it continues its commitment to community health, amid many recent changes to health care options, including Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the federal health insurance marketplace. Many people in transition are without insurance and yet desperately need medical attention.
Gordon True came to the clinic due to chronic ulcers on his foot. Prior to visiting the clinic, he was doing his best to keep his wounds clean, but the ulcers just kept getting worse. Finally, he was in too much pain to go back to his retail job, which required him to be on his feet for most of the day.
He started to fall behind on his rent and struggled to put food on the table for his wife, daughter and grandchildren. Even with the combined income from his wife and daughter, they still didn’t have enough to make ends meet. Three weeks ago, the family was evicted from their home. A friend who had an extra room took them in. “We were very scared and so stressed out from everything that was happening,” said Reyna True, Gordon’s wife.
Without insurance, he was not able to receive any treatment. Gordon’s infection was getting worse and they feared that he may lose his foot. Finally, Gordon was referred to St. Vincent de Paul. “Everyone was so nice to us,” Reyna said. “It was the best feeling. We were feeling so desperate.”
The appointments and medications are free of charge. It’s a huge relief, especially while Gordon's family deals with the crisis of being evicted. “I don’t know what we would’ve done if it weren’t for this clinic,” Gordon said.
After a few visits, Gordon’s foot started to improve. Thanks to a donated supply of special dressing that the clinic staff used for his foot, the speed of his recovery exeeded everyone's expectations. Next week, Gordon will be returning to work. Gordon started the process to apply for AHCCCS after his second appointment at St. Vincent de Paul. It can take up to 45 days for approval. Until he receives insurance, Gordon will continue to visit the clinic for follow-up appointments to keep him healthy.
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Stories like this don’t happen without the support of people like you. You really do have the power to Feed. Clothe. House. Heal. our neighbors in need. Contribute to the cause by donating, volunteering, or learning more.
