Many of Mission of Mercy’s patients are referrals from current or former patients who hear about the services MOM provides from friends or loved
ones.
That was the case for Johanna*, 49, who was born in Kenya and came to Arizona in February 2021 to visit her sister, who was graduating from nursing school.
For personal reasons, Johanna decided to extend her stay in Arizona; however, that meant she lacked access to medical care and the life-saving prescription medications that she takes on a daily basis for her chronic medical condition.
“Initially, I had enough medication but when I decided to stay longer, I knew I had to find help. My grandmother referred me to Mission of Mercy’s Mesa clinic,” Johanna said. “I ran out of my medication and I was so worried. It’s something I cannot do without and I cannot afford it on my own.”
After sharing her story with Dr. Smith, he contacted Gilead’s patient assistance program and completed the paperwork necessary to get Johanna the medication that she needs to survive at no cost. Without that support, her prescriptions amount to thousands of dollars per month. Now Johanna is able to continue with her medications and focus on her health instead of worrying about how to afford the medications.
She believes that finding Mission of Mercy “is like it was God given” and said, “I don’t know how I can thank Dr. Smith and all the people at Mission of Mercy enough. They are good people. They take the time to listen to you and are willing to work hard and help you.”
*Name and image have been changed to protect patient’s privacy.
