For example, we began caring for a baby boy born without a forearm, after his family moved here from Fresno. Dr. Pam Riley of our medical staff made sure he received the therapy and prosthesis he needed and made sure he received his State-supported medical benefits.

Francine* came to see us when she moved here from Canada. She had been treated for cervical cancer before she moved here, and she needed a follow-up Pap test. Without insurance, Angela was not able to get an appointment for the test. Because Ravenswood is a Cancer Detection Program site, we were able to help her arrange to be tested. We are happy to report that Angela's test results were negative, indicating she had no cancer.

Gloria* arrived at our clinic thin, short of breath, with sky-high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. She asked Dr. Chavarria, "Am I going to die?" He told her that unless she took care of herself, she would die. Gloria left, and didn't return until several weeks later, still very sick. She had not been taking her medication. She was admitted to a hospital, and decided to go into recovery. Gloria's condition is now improving. Although she has moved to Seaside, Gloria still prefers to visit Ravenswood for medical care.

*Patient names were changed to protect privacy.

Mary Calloway is a patient of Dr. Shanti Perkins. She is 74 years old --an outgoing and positive person in spite of many health hurdles and some losses.

"My husband was a diabetic for 20 years. He had to have a pacemaker and eye surgery and finally dialysis before he died. I did all I could for my husband and put myself on the back burner. It was a really stressful time.

Five years ago, after my husband passed, I found out I had breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy. That was followed by radiation five days a week for five weeks and then chemotherapy once a week for six months. I've been fortunate.

I thought I had been taking pretty good care of myself then four years ago I found out that I have diabetes. I changed my diet. No more sweets and plenty of water. I'm walking and I cut out junk food. I used to weigh 210 lbs. Now I'm 180 lbs.

Dr. Perkins is my physician. She's friendly and understanding with me. I'm the type that asks lots of questions-I tell her that I need her to break it down for me. She's been good at explaining things. I've had very good care and I've made real improvements in my health.

The way I see it, life is what you make of it. You have to face facts and you have to do what you have to do. Don't sit around. You have to get up and do. Take good care of yourself."

Mary Calloway is the mother of six children, grandmother of 22 and great-grandmother to 21. Her daughter Christina Calloway Meacham is the Front Desk Supervisor for the clinic. Of her daughter, Mary said, "Christina is like her Dad. They would give you their heart if they could."

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