A Patient Story told by Ann Fairbairn Prenatal
Coordinator ...

“One of our patients, “Mary,” has been coming to Inner City Health Center for years.She had a baby several months ago, but around the same time, her ten-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. As a result, Mary and her family have been under a lot of stress. She does not have other family in the Denver area to help her with daily duties.

The ten-year-old has been getting the required chemotherapy treatments, but the prognosis is not good. Osteosarcoma affects about 400 children per year. “Mary,” to show support for her ten-year-old, recently shaved her head to make her daughter feel less like an outsider. This touched the hearts of all the staff at Inner City.

Sadly, with all this misfortune, “Mary” has recently had to go back to work because of the hospital bills and living expenses. She has also had a very difficult time finding childcare to accommodate babysitting nights, as her job is during the evening and later hours.

Since “Mary” has been a patient at this clinic for years, she has touched the hearts and formed relationships with our staff. Since this tragedy, the ICHC staff has visited mother and daughter at the hospital. One staff member has offered to help even more. Melissa, our Pediatric Medical Assistant, has offered to provide childcare to the 3-month-old baby while “Mary” goes back to work at nights.”

ICHC strives to be more than just a health clinic. We strive to be a health-care home – a place that provides comfort and support beyond the medical requirements. What a blessing it is to be part of this ministry outreach called Inner City Health Center!