Patient Success Story – Tom
“Tom” (name withheld for confidentiality) was uninsured, working part-time in construction as a Stucco Specialist, and he had not had a physical in several years. Though he was uninsured, he, fortunately, found WeCareJax partner Sulzbacher Clinic, and made an appointment to see the physician.
During this visit, he learned he was hypertensive and began the recommended steps to reduce his cardiovascular risks. Because the team at Sulzbacher also learned that he had a family history of colon cancer, they recommended a referral for a gastroenterology consultation. Since Tom met the income eligibility requirements for WeCareJax, he was referred to see Dr. Todd Sack at the WeCare Borland Groover clinic in late May 2018.
After his initial consultation with Dr. Sack, Tom was scheduled for a routine colonoscopy. During the procedure, a non-obstructive medium-sized mass was found in the sigmoid colon. The mass was biopsied, and a diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma was made.
Once Dr. Sack obtained the pathology report, he reached out to WeCareJax for a case consultation. A referral to St. Vincent’s – Surgery was the next step in the care plan. By the end of July, Tom was booked for a Sigmoid Robotic Laparoscopic surgery at St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville with Dr. Javier Herrera of North Florida Surgeons.
Today, Tom is cancer-free and continues to work as a stucco specialist! His story would not be possible without all the helpers who connected him to compassionate care. Thank you for making his recovery possible.
To help us continue to transform the lives of our neighbors in need like Tom, please visit wecarejacksonville.org/donate/ to make a contribution. Together we can deliver compassionate care for all!