Patient Profile: Ruby
Ruby moved back to Abilene to become a patient of the Mission as a part of her diabetic-management program.
After Ruby was diagnosed with diabetes, she moved to another city to be near a clinic that a family member recommended.
“It was kind of like when I was diagnosed, doctors in both places told me I had diabetes, gave me a prescription and then sent me on my way,” she said. “They didn’t tell me anything about monitoring my sugar, exercising, changing my diet.”
Upon hearing her frustration, both Ruby’s mother and her mother-in-law reminded her about the Medical Care Mission. It was her search of more personal care that led Ruby back to Abilene and to the Mission’s medical clinic, where she became of patient of Mary Klein, Pharm.D.
“I just fell in love with Mary,” Ruby said, “because she will listen to me and assures me that she will see me even when I’m struggling to pay my $20 office-visit fee.”
In the year that Ruby has been in Dr. Klein’s care, her sugar levels have dropped, she’s changed her diet, she’s exercising and she’s feeling better.
“And Mary’s so proud of me!” Ruby said. “I am willing to do what she asks me to do because she treats me like a human being.”
Ruby said she receives that level of care from every staff member and volunteer who helps her at the Mission.
“I couldn’t find a better place because everyone is so friendly and calls me by my first name,” she said. “I pray to God that the Mission stays open for years to come because this is what Abilene needs, a helping hand.”
