Free from alcohol after 30 years

ALCOHOLIC FOR 30 YEARS: AN IMMEDIATE OPERATION SAVED HIS LIFE

For over 30 years Herman had been an alcoholic. He told me how in countless occasions he tried to stop drinking, but in the end he would end up drunk again. He always lost that battle. He never won.

As one of the many uninsured people of Tulsa, Herman never sought medical care for his illness, knowing he couldn’t afford the medical bills. However, in March of 2009, Herman became desperately ill. A friend told him about Good Samaritan Health Services’ medical clinics and encouraged him to seek medical help right away.


Our doctor referred Herman to the emergency room for an immediate operation that literally saved his life. Because Herman was admitted to the hospital through Good Samaritan, the operation was absolutely free to him. All his ongoing medical care and medications at through Good Samaritan Health Services has been provided to Herman at no cost.

 I NO LONGER FEEL A NEED TO DRINK

As Herman started coming back to our clinics for ongoing medical care, he saw that the volunteers and staff truly cared about him. When nurse Pam Wilson asked Herman if there was anything she could pray for him about, he asked for prayer to be able to stop drinking. And he meant it.

I caught up with Herman two weeks ago at our annual Volunteer Appreciation day at the home of our Executive Director, Dr. John Crouch.  Herman is now a volunteer at our medical clinics, giving back the love and care he has pesonally found.  I found him quietly fishing at the pond enjoying a beautitful day. His first words to me were, "George, I have not had a drink of alcohol since that day." 

I smiled. That's all he needed to say.

George Valverde
CFO/Development Director