Cathy’s story
Cathy M. received healthcare for the first time in 20 years thanks to a phone call. Trying to escape from a long abusive relationship, Cathy called the Portland Women’s Crisis Line, which referred her to Central City Concern. “I had no resources and I didn’t know the streets,” Cathy said. “I had nowhere to go.”
At Central City Concern, Cathy enrolled in an alcohol recovery outpatient program. “It opened the door for me,” she said. The door led to the Dr. Jones’s office where Cathy found out just how much her health had deteriorated – all her tests returned abnormal and pointing to a pre-cancer condition. “I found out what ignoring my health for so long means. Without health, you might as well just bury me.”
Linda Bain at Central City Concern referred Cathy to Project Access so she could get further recommended tests and procedures, including a mammogram and a colonoscopy. Cathy remembers with awe the courtesy call from an emergency room doctor.
About the medical care she received, Cathy said, “Everyone’s professionalism has been simply impressive. I especially want to thank Dr. Jones, Dr. Breen, and Dr. Kahn. Even years ago when I had insurance I hadn’t been treated this well, with such dignity, respect, and compassion.”
Cathy’s now looking forward to her studies for an associates degree in nursing and to her part-time job at Seniors Make Sense. In the meantime, she’s donating her time at Central City Concern’s Community Volunteer Corps. “I just needed an opportunity, and Project Access NOW gave it to me. It was a godsend. I wouldn’t have had the strength to get to where I am. Before I was dragging, now I am sprinting.”
(August 2009)
