stories.
Enjoy a few stories about our AWARDEES.
MICHAEL was attending New York University on a Dean’s scholarship, when unrelenting dental pain made it impossible for him to study. OTC painkillers weren’t working anymore. His family was unable to help, as his mother and younger siblings were in a transitional housing program for homeless families. Michael never had access to proper dental care, and now had developed serious chronic problems. Michael’s college success was at risk and his mother’s case manager approached the GAH. With GAH funding, Michael’s dental work was done; he graduated as winner of NYU’s Outstanding Graduate Award and went on to pursue his M.S. degree in chemical engineering.
“Without getting this procedure done, I wouldn’t have been able to go back to school. This was a really critical time and getting help from the Guardian Angel of Health made all the difference.”
HELEN is a survivor of domestic violence. She found safety for herself and six-year-old son in a transitional housing program for homeless families, where she was thriving and recovering well from the trauma. She found work as a housekeeper and started taking adult education classes with the dream to create her own business. Her ability to work and study were hampered by incessant dental pain. She needed extensive dental work, with no hope of affording this herself. With a GAH award, Helen got the procedures she needed. She has a renewed confidence about building a safe, free and independent life to raise her son.
“I greatly value this gift from the Guardian Angel of Health. With the pain, I cannot sleep and have no energy for school, work and my son. Now, I have no pain, I can sleep and have energy for classes and to find a better job.”
CALVIN was on pretrial release and working hard to create stability in his life. He was enrolled in an automotive repair training program and doing well. Though motivated and determined to complete the program so he could have gainful employment, he was starting to have difficulties. He approached his case manager to get help for the one thing that stood between him and success - a pair of eyeglasses. She contacted the GAH. With a GAH award, Calvin got his first eye exam and a pair of glasses and went on to complete his program successfully.
“I can see clearly for the first time in my life, it’s beautiful, it changes my life. I am so grateful.”
DIANNE works as a home health aide and has no health insurance. Since giving birth to her son, now three years old, she has had serious health problems that have worsened, causing pain and stress, and required medical attention. With a GAH award, she got the medical exams, diagnostic tests and screenings she needed to address her health needs. Dianne now is able to work pain- and stress-free and can focus on studying to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
“I’ve had to put my health on hold, but now I can have peace of mind and start feeling better to care for my son and continue my education.”
RAHMATULLAH, a husband and father of four, is a refugee from Iran, where his family suffered considerable persecution. He’s embraced a new life in America, working multiple jobs in dedication to giving his family a better life. He hadn’t been to a dentist until coming to the US. His teeth had deteriorated to a point of crisis, causing immense pain and jeopardizing his ability to support his family. With GAH funding, Rahmatullah was able to complete multiple dental procedures that otherwise would have been unthinkable to afford.
“This gift from the Guardian Angel of Health let me sleep better, have no more pain, and I can work better to support my family; and I can help more with my children’s homework so they can excel in school and have better futures when they grow up.”