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.”

Rosie sees Dr. Woodward at the Mission for management of her high blood pressure.

Rosie was in so much pain that she could not hold back the tears.

She knew she had high blood pressure and knew it could make her feel this way, but she had no money for the medication she needed. When the pain escalated to the point she could not ignore it, Rosie walked one block to the hospital with her 8-year-old granddaughter by her side and a 2-year-old on her hip.

After receiving the care she needed at Hendrick’s Trauma Center, Rosie was referred to the Mission for follow-up care. Now she sees Dr. Woodward on a regular basis so he may assess how the medication that he has prescribed is working.

“My husband works odd jobs around town to support me and our granddaughter,” Rosie said. “If not for the Mission, I don’t know where I’d go, other than the E.R.”

Javier was referred to the Mission for follow-up care after being diagnosed with diabetes at the Trauma Center.

Eight months ago 21-year-old Javier found himself in the hospital with heart failure and no insurance. It was during that time that he learned he also has diabetes and was referred to the Mission for follow-up care.

“I really needed the help,” he said. “I can’t afford $95 for a bottle of insulin.”

Javier works just under 40 hours a week at Wal-Mart and won’t be eligible for full-time hours or benefits such as health insurance until he’s been an employee there for a year.

“I don’t make much money,” he said, “and my bills take all my money.”

Javier actually has been prescribed two kinds of insulin, which when combined with the cost of syringes, total more than $200 each month. At the Mission, Javier is able to order a three-month’s supply of each kind of insulin for $3 per prescription, and he’s not shy about telling his friends and co-workers about the help he receives at the clinic.

“I tell other people that the Mission can help them, too,” he said. “If not for this clinic, I think I’d be in a coma right now because I wouldn’t be able to get the insulin I need.”