Client Stories
Meet Jane
Jane came in one night scared that her 12 year old son had broken his wrist several days prior. She reported that he had fallen off his skateboard and hurt his wrist but did not want to tell her because he knew that money was tight and there was no medical insurance. The mother was crying and commenting how awful she felt that he would feel a need to hide his pain in order not to burden the family.
The volunteer doctor saw him and he was sent to Simi Valley Hospital for an x-ray. The hospital helped cover the cost of the x-ray and the doctor did find that the young man had broken his wrist and splinted it. The doctor commented that if it had been just a couple more days the bone would have begun to heal improperly and at such a young age with his bones still growing there would have been a high probability for permanent complications.
The volunteer doctor saw him and he was sent to Simi Valley Hospital for an x-ray. The hospital helped cover the cost of the x-ray and the doctor did find that the young man had broken his wrist and splinted it. The doctor commented that if it had been just a couple more days the bone would have begun to heal improperly and at such a young age with his bones still growing there would have been a high probability for permanent complications.
Meet Mike
Mike came into the Medical Clinic unable to complete a sentence, weak, and trembling because he was having difficulty breathing. The patient was monitored and found to have a very low oxygen level that was getting lower with every breath. He has pulmonary disease and has been off of his expensive medications for two weeks due to losing his medical insurance. The patient was placed on oxygen, seen by the doctor and administered the appropriate medications. After about an hour we were able to get the patient comfortable and stable.
The patient remarked that "You saved my life." The patient will be seen here for follow up care and management of his disease.
The patient remarked that "You saved my life." The patient will be seen here for follow up care and management of his disease.
Meet Timmy & Scotty
Timmy and Scotty were both referred to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley by their elementary school because they were having difficulty in school. The boys did not qualify for private or government services. They were both having difficulty concentrating, unable to follow direction, and doing poorly in most of their school work. Thanks to Free Clinic volunteer physician, Dr. Dan Takeda, both boys were diagnosed with ADHD, and were given a treatment plan involving diet, exercise and medication. Over the next six months their school work improved and they no longer are a disruption, or disciplinary problem to their classrooms. The boys’ parents report that they are better behaved at home as well and do not seem as anxious.
Meet Randy
Randy came to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley to be treated for an extremely infected wound on his leg. He had just lost his health insurance due to unexpected unemployment. The Clinic worked consistently to treat the painful infection in his leg. In addition to healing his leg, the Clinic identified that Randy had high blood pressure. This was brought under control through proper medication. Randy also received counseling on how to maintain a healthy diet and made major changes in his caloric and sodium intake. It was nice to hear back from Randy, who reported he is feeling well again.
Note About Photos: Pictures of individuals are representative of the clients of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. Protecting the private details of our clients is not just a matter of moral respect, it is essential in retaining the important bond of trust between the Clinic and the individuals we serve.
