Registered Nurse Debbie Bell checks Iluminado’s vitals at the RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic at St. Vincent de Paul.
At St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy, full life. For Iluminado, a hardworking immigrant from the Philippines, that journey began at our RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic.
Iluminado moved to the United States with a selfless goal, to earn money to support his three children back home. His youngest daughter recently started medical school, a source of great pride for him. Thanks to modern technology, he stays connected to his family every single day.
“I told my kids I want to see them every day,” Iluminado says. “I love how you can FaceTime now. Before, if someone went to the US, it would be letters and take months to hear from people. But I get to see my children every day.”
As a type-2 diabetic without insurance, Iluminado’s health was a constant worry. He tried his best to manage the condition on his own through diet, but without professional guidance, he didn’t realize that his habit of eating rice three times a day was causing his blood sugar to rise to dangerous levels.
The his health became urgent when he began feeling dizzy while driving for his nighttime job. Fortunately, a friend told him about our clinic and how we help neighbors who do not have health insurance. “I am very happy. I feel blessed to have met the nurses and doctors here at the clinic,” he shares. “I am very thankful to know about it, because I am a type-2 diabetic.”
Since coming to the RotaCare clinic, Iluminado has received the tools he needs to thrive. The volunteer doctors prescribed four different medications for his diabetes and cholesterol at no cost. Beyond medicine, Iluminado embraced the educational resources available to him.
He attended healthy cooking classes at the clinic to learn how to prepare low-sodium and low-sugar meals that keep his blood sugar stable. He said he has also cut back on the sweets and soda he used to love. Today, he stays active by using a stationary bike gifted to him by his boss.
“I feel very blessed because I took the healthy cooking class with Miss Lucy at the clinic, and I am following the diet she laid out for me,” Iluminado says.
The care didn’t stop at medical treatment. Our nurses also connected Iluminado with the Dentists on Wheels Pittsburg Free Dental Clinic at St. Vincent de Paul. On February 13th, he was able to receive a new set of dentures, giving him even more reason to smile.
Iluminado’s daughter often tells him that she hopes to help him manage his diabetes once she graduates from medical school. With the support he is receiving now, Iluminado is confident he will be there to see that day.
“All of the nurses and doctors at the clinic are so friendly,” he says. “I feel so blessed that they have helped me. I tell my kids I want to live to be over 100 and to see my grandchildren, and with their help I will get there.”
