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Thanks to the compassionate care they receive at Lowell CHC, Wendy and her son David (almost 2!), are thriving. |
As a new mother, Wendy knew she had a lot to learn.
At Lowell CHC, all she had to do was ask.
When Wendy experienced chest pains several years ago, she was scared and didn't know what to do. A good friend convinced her to come to Lowell CHC - that we would take good care of her.
Thankfully, the pains were nothing serious. But, Wendy knew she had indeed found a place where she felt cared for.
"From the beginning, they always took the time to explain things to me, and in my own language" she says. "Without that, I wouldn't have known what to do."
Originally from Guatemala, Wendy and her husband didn't have any family in the area. Wendy found support at the Health Center, quickly forging strong bonds with her providers and interpreters, who helped her take charge of her own health.
"They always pay attention, they support you," she says. "It's not like this in my home country. There, you are on your own."
When Wendy became pregnant with her first child, the bonds she'd made at Lowell CHC became even more crucial. She was diagnosed with a rare liver condition that can cause serious health risks for both mother and baby.
As you might imagine, Wendy was anxious and eager to understand her condition and how to protect her unborn child. With Lowell CHC there to coordinate her care and make sure she understood every aspect of her treatment, Wendy delivered a healthy baby boy.
"When they told me David was going to be safe - I was so happy, so relieved. But, I also knew there was more I needed to do. I needed to learn how to take care of my baby."
For that, she turned to our New Mom's Cafe, a monthly support group for new parents. There, she found a safe place where she could share and learn from other moms. What keeps her coming back month after month? The fact that the moms, not the facilitators, drive the conversation.
"They asked, 'what do you want to know?,'" she says. "We asked about saving for college. So, they brought in people who told us step by step what to do. I would have had no idea where to start. It's things like this that have been so helpful to me as a mother."
Thanks to Wendy's initiative and perseverance, and the compassionate care she received here at Lowell CHC, this young family is thriving. And it's thanks to you that we can provide the kind of care that truly makes a difference. Thank you.
"They always take the time to listen, to care. Here, I feel safe. The support I get at Lowell CHC means so much to my family."
