Maria Chacon has been a patient at Gracelight Community Health since 2015, and to her, it feels like more than just a clinic—it feels like family.
Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Maria moved to the U.S. in 1997. She’s a single mom and works at a fabric store, helping pick out high-quality materials for big-name companies. She found out about Gracelight through her then mother-in-law, who told her about the clinic on Sunol. Since then, Maria has stuck with Gracelight and says she’s always felt happy with the care she gets. It was at Gracelight where Maria was first diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. She had been dealing with high blood pressure and a fast heartbeat, and it wasn’t until she saw Dr. Louie and Christina that she realized how serious it was. They told her the condition could lead to a heart attack if left untreated. Thankfully, she got the care she needed, went through radiation, and has been in recovery since.
Later on, she went in for an X-ray. The technician encouraged her to schedule a physical and reminded her to check her breasts. That push led to a Well Woman Exam—and during that visit, doctors found a nodule in her right breast. She had a biopsy done, and once again, she felt supported through the whole process.
“Everything they’ve done for me here has helped me a lot,” Maria says. “I’ve always felt listened to. The team has been there for me every time.”
She especially wants to shout out two people who have made a big difference in her care: Obdulia, a nurse who’s been incredibly patient and kind, and Elisa, a medical assistant she says deserves recognition for how caring and attentive she is. When asked to describe the clinic in one word, Maria gives a few:
“Family. Respectful. Amazing. Incredible.”
She’s recommended the clinic to lots of people over the years because she knows they’ll be in good hands.
“I’m just happy to be alive,” she says. “And I’m glad I found this place.”
Story Seeker: Health Advocate Karina Flores for Echo Park