Mario Diaz
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 father originally from Guatemala, has been a part of the Gracelight family for over a decade. He came to the U.S. twelve years ago, the only member of his family to make the move, while the rest remained in Guatemala. Yet, through his journey, Gracelight has been there, supporting him and Heidy with affordable, quality healthcare. Heidy and her family have been coming to Gracelight for over 20 years, forming a lasting connection that has grown stronger with each visit.
One of the strongest connections Mario and Heidy have formed at Gracelight is with Lorena Mora, a registered dental assistant at our Echo Park location. Over the years, Lorena has become more than a caregiver—she’s become a friend. Mario and Heidy value this bond, as Lorena has been there for them and their family through every milestone and health concern, providing a comforting presence they can always rely on. It’s a relationship rooted in trust, kindness, and shared values, exemplifying the close-knit community Gracelight strives to build.
Now, Mario and Heidy’s story takes on new meaning as their oldest daughter, a sophomore at Texas Christian University (TCU), is following a similar path. She’s currently studying dentistry, inspired by her family’s experience and the compassionate care she’s seen through Gracelight, especially through Lorena. With two more years until her graduation, she’s on her way to making her own contributions to healthcare, just as Gracelight has done for her family.
When we recently caught up with Mario, he shared that his experience with Gracelight has been positive. “Everyone is really nice and approachable,” he says, reflecting on his visits to the Echo Park facility. Mario appreciates that Gracelight is always there for him and his family, especially in times of need. “Whenever we have a medical emergency, Gracelight is there, taking care of us. The providers are always available, and they truly care about us.” This support has been crucial for managing his and Heidy’s health.
For Mario, the thing he appreciates most is how Gracelight genuinely cares about him and his loved ones, especially his kids. “I can feel that the staff really cares,” he says, touched by the kindness he encounters every visit. And when asked to describe Gracelight in one word, Mario doesn’t hesitate—“excellent.”
Mario and Heidy’s story is a testament to the difference that genuine, compassionate healthcare can make. At Gracelight, we’re not just treating patients; we’re building relationships that transcend time and distance, providing a foundation of support for families like theirs as they navigate health and life together.