PATIENT STORIES

In July of 2018, Alice noticed a small red spot on her left breast, which got worse over the next few days.  Because of her family history, she was convinced that she had breast cancer.  She came to BVMI in great distress.  

When Carmen arrived at BVMI two weeks ago to show the staff and volunteers her little bundle of joy, there were cheers, hugs, and happy tears. "From Carmen’s first visit to BVMI four years ago, she let us know that her greatest desire in life was to conceive a child,” said Vicky Fliman, RN, BVMI’s multi-lingual nurse navigator.

Raphael first came to BVMI while recovering from a bicycle accident—a tough break for someone who makes his money from painting houses. He lives in a homeless shelter, unable to afford many things we take for granted, especially health insurance. 

Christine wanted to be part of an impactful, volunteer-driven vision and she finally found that place. Now she is not only a patient but also a volunteer who is ready and eager to spread the word about how the BVMI team are pioneers in bringing accessible healthcare to her community!

Olivia first came to BVMI back in 2014. During her initial screenings, our team of clinicians would try to ask about her personal life but Olivia was rather guarded. All Olivia would say was "life is hard but I'm making the most of it." However, Olivia was an extraordinarily compliant patient and would always come for her general appointments as well as her well-woman visits.

Seven years ago, Rosa was taking a free nutrition class right around the corner from BVMI's old home. When the teacher realized Rosa didn't have health insurance, she told her about BVMI. As Rosa puts it, when she first walked through our doors back in 2010, her "life was forever changed."

When you’re young and just starting out, healthcare can be hard to come by. BVMI is here to help, providing primary healthcare to almost 150 patients under the age of 30.When you’re young and just starting out, healthcare can be hard to come by. BVMI is here to help, providing primary healthcare to almost 150 patients under the age of 30.

Anastasia often comes to BVMI after working a long day as a home attendant. Soft-spoken, she always has a smile on her face, despite an often difficult life. She emigrated from Kiev after her children started getting sick in the aftermath of Chernobyl. “I came here to give my kids a better life. Watching them get sick over something I couldn’t control – it was heartbreaking. All I want is for them to be safe, happy, and healthy.”

Everyone at BVMI looks forward to days when Katarina and Sebastian come in. Married for 58 years, they are old souls whose love lights up BVMI the moment they walk through the doors.