November 8,2011

P.V. is a 51-year-old Hispanic female with a past medical history of a right breast mass since 2005. While P.V. had been followed intermittently for the breast mass, she came to the Prince William Area Free Clinic with complaints of pain in the same breast three years later. In addition to her health concerns, P.V.'s husband had died suddenly and she was left with two young children, no financial resources or medical insurance.

The PWAFC provided not only a medical home but also emotional support and care this patient needed at this difficult time. At the Free Clinic, the patient was evaluated immediately and referred for a breast sonogram and mammogram at no charge to the patient. Upon receipt of her concerning results, the PWAFC made arrangements for the patient to be seen by a local breast surgeon pro bono. P.V. required a bilateral biopsy of her breasts and lymph nodes. The breast biopsy revealed Stage IIB invasive ducal carcinoma of the right breast with lymph node involvement. Subsequent care for the patient included surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Upon receipt of the devastating news, the PWAFC reassured the patient she would not be alone during this difficult process. As with all every PWAFC patient, every aspect of care was provided to her. The PWAFC provided emotional support, phone calls, home visits, food for her small children, and transportation to and from appointments. During this traumatic time the patient often came just to visit with staff and help with small tasks in the office. As time went on this relationship continued to grow and she is now a weekly volunteer. She is a true success story. She is now cancer free, owns her own business, and serves as an inspiration to other breast cancer patients. She calls the PWAFC staff her angels.