Anna Magallanes still remembers the day her husband fell at work. One moment changed everything. What started as an ordinary day turned into years of recovery, worry, and hospital visits. “He couldn’t walk for almost two years,” she said softly. “Those were some of the hardest years of our lives.”
The bills came fast. The biggest one, over $100,000, felt impossible. But through Gracelight’s Medi-Cal Department at the East 3rd Health Center, Anna found help when she needed it most. “You guys helped my husband obtain Medi-Cal, and for that I’m very grateful,” she said. “Without that coverage, I don’t know how we would have paid for everything.”
Even after her husband’s care shifted to workers’ compensation, Anna continued coming to Gracelight for her own visits. Her mother still receives care there too, and as Anna puts it, “she doesn’t want to change at all.”
What stays with her most isn’t just the care itself, but the people. “The patience, guidance, and all the help you’ve gifted us with,” she said, her voice full of emotion.
Now that she and her husband no longer qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California, she calls it “a blessing in disguise.” They’re doing better, and she continues her care with Dr. Goretti Garcia, grateful for the support that carried her family through when they needed it most.
Story Seeker: Healthcare Advocate Karina Flores for Echo Park