Heidy Acevedo: Where Kindness Quieted the Fear

Walking into a clinic with shaky nerves and a racing heart is something Heidy Acevedo knows all too well. Whether it’s waiting on lab results or coming in for a procedure, she admits she often feels anxious before her visits. But at Gracelight’s Hollywood clinic, those nerves don’t last long.

“When I step into the clinic, I see a smile on everyone’s face, and it puts me at ease,” Heidy said. “The staff helps calm my nerves down, and I always feel taken care of.”

Heidy has been a patient at Gracelight for several years now, and throughout that time, she says her experiences have only been positive. It’s the way people treat her that stands out. “I recall receiving a lot of kindness from the staff,” she shared.

One part of her visits that really makes a difference is how the back-office team handles tests and procedures. They don’t just complete the process and move on. They explain what’s being done and why, and they do it in a way that feels calm and respectful. “They take their time and make sure I understand,” Heidy said. “It makes me feel heard and safe.”

She also speaks highly of her provider, who follows up after visits and makes sure she has clear information about treatment options and next steps. That level of care has changed how she views her health.

“This kind of care is rare. Now, I feel like I have a true partner in my health.”

When asked to describe Gracelight in one word, Heidy didn’t hesitate: trustworthy.

With each visit, her confidence grows. And while the nerves may still be there at times, she knows she’s walking into a space where she’ll be met with patience, kindness, and care that puts people first.

Story Seeker: Lead Medical Assistant Mayra Manzo for Hollywood