Diane spent years living with chronic pain and unanswered questions. Without insurance, she did what she could—pushing through fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and ongoing symptoms that pointed to something more serious. “I didn’t have enough money to pay for insurance … and I had nowhere to go.”
When she connected with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), everything began to change.
“They’ve all embraced me as a human being and not as a patient or a number or a dollar sign … They treat the whole being.”
Through compassionate, whole-person care, Diane found not only medical support, but something deeper.
“They didn’t just treat my body. They treated my human spirit.”
In one of the darkest seasons of her life, that care became a lifeline. As she battled depression, even the promise of an upcoming appointment gave her strength to keep going. “If I can just hang on to that appointment, I’ll be okay.”
With the help of Volunteers in Medicine, Diane received critical referrals that led to a diagnosis of stage three colorectal cancer—answers she had long been unable to access. Today, after surgery and as she continues chemotherapy, she is considered cancer-free.
Along the way, her faith was renewed in an unexpected and deeply personal way through her relationship with Lynne, VIM administrative coordinator. “Lynne brought me back to God.”
Reflecting on that impact, she shared, “I haven’t told her that… which right now with what I’m going through has brought me so much comfort.”
Looking back on her experience at VIM, she says it simply: “Even if they think they’re not saving lives, they’re saving lives.”
