Archives for Patient Stories

Three years ago, Manuel De Jesus Giraldo Viloria arrived in Los Angeles with nothing but hope and the few belongings he could carry. He had already left behind his home in Venezuela, spent time staying with his sister in Miami, and was now trying to rebuild his life in a city where he knew no one. Starting over was never going to be easy, but lately, it has felt almost impossible. With immigration policies changing and the fear of losing his work permit, even something as simple as stepping outside has become a source of anxiety. However, a silver lining
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Cecilia Guzman has spent most of her life taking care of others. But for nearly ten years, while struggling with health issues and homelessness, she wasn’t sure if anyone would take care of her. At 81 years old, she still carries the weight of those years, but she also carries something else now: hope. She lives in the San Fernando Valley, miles away from the clinic, yet she makes the two to three hour trip, by car or bus, just to be here.“It has been an amazing experience, so satisfying,” she said. “I come all this way because I know
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Walking into Gracelight Community Health for the first time, Maria Rodriguez wasn’t sure what to expect. Her health had been declining, and she was searching for answers, hoping to finally feel heard. That first visit changed everything. “It was a scary feeling not knowing what was going on,” Maria said. “But the attention I received was impeccable. There are no words to describe it.” Since becoming a patient in 2021, Maria’s experience at Gracelight has been more than medical care — it’s been a source of comfort, trust, and healing. With the help of Dr. Esaenwi Tambari and Dr. Kyi,
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Creating meaningful relationships with patients lays the foundation for trust and a genuine sense of belonging, to help shape a more compassionate and connected healthcare experience. For Mayhel Ramirez, a 39-year-old mother originally from Nicaragua, her journey with Gracelight Community Health began 2 years ago and has been more than just medical care. It has been an experience of support, compassion, and community.   Mayhel made the difficult decision to leave her home country of Nicaragua, seeking a better future for herself and her 13-year-old daughter. Adjusting to life in a new country has come with its challenges, but one
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We had the chance to sit down with longtime patients Florinda and José Ricardo González, a Hollywood couple who have made Gracelight Community Health part of their lives for decades. Originally from Mexico, Florinda has been coming to Gracelight for 38 years, and José for 15. Their story reflects what Gracelight is all about: care that lasts, relationships that matter, and trust built over time. Florinda spoke warmly about her experience. “My experience has been very good. That’s why I’m still here. They’ve treated me very well and understood me.” She recalled how the clinic’s team discovered her diabetes years
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Christmas will always hold a special meaning for Rosa Ramirez. It represents family, health, and the kind of support that only a caring community can offer. Originally from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Rosa has been a patient at Gracelight Community Health for many years. Her story is one of strength, faith, and what happens when compassion meets persistence. When Rosa first came to Gracelight, she was ready to give up. Navigating the process of getting medical coverage felt overwhelming, and she didn’t see a way forward. She could have gone anywhere else to ask for help, but it’s hard to
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Building relationships sometimes isn’t created by words or personal connection, sometimes relationships are created through experiencing a moment. We believe in creating moments at Gracelight that leave a lasting impact—moments of trust, relief, and connection that stay with our patients long after they leave the clinic. For Juvenal Carrillo Gomez, his journey with Gracelight began in a moment of urgency and fear but grew into a story of gratitude and care, embodying what makes Gracelight unique. Juvenal vividly recalls his first visit, a day he’ll never forget. “I was actually surprised because when I came to the clinic for the
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At Gracelight Community Health, we understand that healthcare is more than just identifying and finding solutions to patients’ medical concerns—it’s about connection, trust, and care. Lorena Ixcal, a 49-year-old patient originally from Guatemala, shared her journey with us, a testament to the trusting relationship she has built with Karina Flores, one of our dedicated health advocates at our East 3rd Street location. Lorena has been a part of the Gracelight family since the clinic first opened its doors, and her story is one of resilience and gratitude. Lorena, shared how transformative her journey with Gracelight has been. “This is the
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We all seek spaces where we can build genuine connections with others in a setting that feels safe and welcoming, qualities we don’t usually expect from a medical office. At Gracelight Community Health, we’ve created an environment where these connections with our patients happen naturally, making each visit feel more like a reunion than an appointment. Our team goes beyond just providing medical care; we build relationships and offer unwavering support to our patients, making their health journey as comfortable as possible. For Mario Diaz and his wife, Heidy Calderon, this sense of community has meant everything. Mario, a 40-year-old
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Los Angeles is a fast-paced city, and sometimes it can be a challenge to really connect with people. In a place where everything moves so quickly, friendliness and kindness are often overlooked. Here at Gracelight Community Health, those qualities come naturally to our team—not just in how we care for our patients, but in how we support one another. Visiting a doctor or dentist can be stressful and even a little intimidating. We start worrying about our health, and then immediately wonder, “How am I going to pay for this?” What sets Gracelight apart is the welcoming, comforting atmosphere our
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