Job loss doesn't have to mean loss of care
The recent economic downturn and its devastating affect on the real estate business has meant months without a paycheck for Denise Redding, a self-employed single woman who performs title searches for lenders. As a result, Denise’s own home has gone into foreclosure.
Making matters worse was a terrible pain in her abdomen. With no health insurance and no way to pay for a health care, Denise put off going to the doctor, enduring the pain and worrying that it may be a symptom of something serious.
“It was a really rough month for me,” Denise recalled. “I was in a lot of pain and I didn’t know what was wrong and kept thinking it could be something really bad.”
When she could no longer tolerate the pain, Denise went to Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Francis for help. She told her physician of her financial problems and he immediately put her in contact with Zaritza Gil, a financial counselor, who explained Wheaton’s Community Care program to Denise and helped her complete the necessary paperwork.
It didn’t take long for Denise to learn she qualified for the program and that her medical expenses would be taken care of. Since then, Denise has undergone a number of tests and her physician ruled out serious illness. She was given medication for her pain and is now feeling much better.
“I can’t tell you the ease in the back of mind,” she said. “I could never have gone to the doctor and gotten those tests without this program. I am just so grateful. I hope I can give back someday soon by volunteering or something. I can’t pay but I want to give back somehow.”