Mark’s story
Mark’s basal cell carcinoma spread on his nose and face for more than two years. “First impressions count,” Mark said. “I was told with a face like this, people wouldn’t hire me.” Without insurance, there was little he could do other than suffer through it.
After he lost his job with a security company, in the summer of 2008 he found the Essential Health Clinic and Project Access Washington County. “Katie Ulin saved my life,” Mark said. “I’m blessed.”
Two weeks after his initial visit, Mark was scheduled for a series of surgeries at OHSU. Twenty hours of surgery later, his entire left face was reconstructed. “I was scared going to OHSU,” Mark said. “But all that fear went away about ten minutes after I walked in the door. It was unbelievable, I had never experienced that kind of doctors. I felt secure and confident.”
Doctors Swanson, Downs, and Kim performed 3 surgeries to remove the growth and reconstruct Mark’s appearance. “They were all incredible people. Tremendously talented with great bedside manner. It was almost like a dream. Everything just happened all at once. And now I feel like a new man.”
Seven months later, Mark is still recuperating. Meanwhile, he’s looking for part-time employment in criminal justice and working on associates degree in forensic science.
Reflecting on his experience, Mark noted, “If it weren’t for Project Access, I wouldn’t have a nose. I would have had to have chemo, radiation… If I’d let [the cancer] get too far, it could have killed me. I want other people to know that with Project Access you’re going to get help. They’re going to get you back to as normal as possible. I’m glad we have a resource like Project Access, and that there are people out there who care about others.”
(April 2009)
