Hope, Healing, and Resilience – a Note from an Open Door Patient

I needed hope and a new beginning. Open Door gave that to me.

When I relocated to New York, I had no family, no support, and a recent diagnosis of a serious immunodeficiency disorder. But I did have a referral to Open Door from my previous doctor and that made all the difference. From our first appointment, Karin was warm, caring, nurturing. I will never forget the comfort I found when I met her. Through education and management, my immunocompromised condition is now well under control.

Two years ago, I was faced with an additional health challenge – prostate cancer. Devastated and feeling hopeless following my diagnosis, I was referred by my care team to a urologist for treatment and surgery and encouraged to join an Open Door online Cancer Support Group. Open Door’s care literally saved my life.

As part of art therapy in the Cancer Support Group, I have found my passion for art. It’s so much more than a hobby or pastime…art is an outlet that gives me fulfillment, a break from life’s challenges and support for my mental health. I am able to give back to others….to give hope to others….

During the pandemic, the stress of managing my health conditions and feelings of loneliness deepened. I enrolled in Open Door’s digital literacy program – obtaining a free computer, a WiFi hotspot and training from Open Door. I am always treated with patience, respect, and compassion. I am no longer isolated – I communicate with my health care team online, find resources for my job, and feel more connected than ever.

In my full time job as a home care aide, I can share my hope, my strength, and my compassion with others. I pay forward the care I receive from Open Door.

At Open Door, I found health, hope, and support from a team that quickly became my guardian angels. I survived because of Open Door and I am now empowered to live a healthy life.

– Jesus M.

About Open Door Family Medical Center and Foundation
Open Door Family Medical Center provides health care and wellness programs to individuals and families in need throughout Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties. A pioneer Federally Qualified Health Center, Open Door provides more than 300,000 patient visits annually and serves 63,000 individual patients who might not otherwise have access. Open Door offers integrated services and a holistic approach to building healthier communities. Primary medical care, dental care, integrated behavioral health care, clinical nutrition, wellness programs, and chronic disease management are the foundation of its clinical programs. Founded as a free clinic in 1972, Open Door’s mission of building healthier communities through accessible, equitable, culturally competent health care has led to site and service expansions. Today, Open Door operates centers in Brewster, Mamaroneck, Mount Kisco, Ossining, Port Chester, and Sleepy Hollow, in addition to nine School-Based Health Centers in the Port Chester, Webutuck, and Ossining School Districts, a mobile dental van in Mount Kisco, and a dental practice in Saugerties, NY. Open Door is accredited by the Joint Commission and is recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. Open Door achieves clinical results that consistently surpass national benchmarks for patient outcomes. For additional information, please contact Elisabeth Gilbert, Senior Director of Development, at 914-502-1417.

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