Ray’s story

A year ago, Ray called Project Access NOW asking for help with a lung issue. Staff referred him to the Rosewood Family Health Center, where he was screened and enrolled in the program.

Tests at OHSU showed he had cancer. In a quick succession of procedures, oncologist Dr. Christopher Ryan drained Ray’s lung and urologic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Larochelle removed his kidney.

“I got medical attention I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise,” Ray said. “I probably wouldn’t be alive today.”

Ray’s experience with Project Access NOW wasn’t his first one with donated care. Almost four years ago, Ray needed a pacemaker he couldn’t afford. The heart surgeon at Legacy waived his charges, a hospital fund paid for other care, and the pacemaker manufacturer didn’t bill for the device.

Ray said, “It’s a humbling experience to need [donated healthcare]. All volunteers have been extremely helpful. I truly appreciated that medical facilities are available to provide such care.”

Despite having a non-curable disease, Ray said he’s “doing a whole lot better than anticipated. My life would have been over a long time ago.”

(September 2010)