Luis’s story

Had it not been for a friend who told him about the Essential Health Clinic in Tigard, Luis would have died of cancer. Care Coordinator Kari Halvorson helped him enroll in Project Access, and scheduled a colonoscopy with Dr. Jeffrey Douglass at Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon.

“Kari did everything,” Luis said. “She connected me with all the doctors, set up the appointments, and called me to remind me of them. If I had been on my own, I wouldn’t have got the care.”

When the procedure revealed the presence of cancer, Dr. Douglass connected Luis with Dr. Kathleen Fielder at Northwest Cancer Specialists and Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. Soon, Luis started chemotherapy and radiation, and underwent a surgery.

“Chemotherapy destroys you,” Luis said, pointing to his blackened hands. “I haven’t been able to work in months. I have lower defenses, and no energy. I can’t touch anything cold. But Dr. Fielder said it’s normal. She also said I have no more cancer in my body. Because of that, I am really thankful for Project Access.”

Luis had his catheter surgically removed at the end of February. He’s scheduled for quarterly check ups. He’ll continue obtaining discounted medication through Pharmacy Bridge. He hopes to go back to work at the Tualatin Country Club soon.

“Before Project Access, I had no experience with the healthcare system even when I needed help because it’s expensive and I have no insurance. Thank god I was able to find Project Access NOW. It gave me my life back.”

(February 2010)