Quotes From Participants

The cervical screening program made a difference in people lives.

In their own words:

• Like many people, my husband and I both work two jobs and have no health insurance. I have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer.
  
• My mom had a bilateral mastectomy and I lost my job and (am) caretaking for my mom.
• I had to cancel my Pap test appointment… they wanted $269 up front… I don’t have insurance.
  
• I have a $5,000 deductible.
• I left my job to start a business…I am only covered by husband’s catastrophic insurance.
  
• (I am the) primary caregiver to my mother (age 100) on a limited income. She is insured and I am not.
• I’m not covered by insurance and need to have Pap tests because of family history.
  
• I don’t have a job. My husband had cancer and hasn’t worked in recent years.
• Cancer runs in my family and I haven’t had a Pap test in a few years since I do not have health insurance.
  
• I have a 3 and 1 year old and need to be health for them. This is a great opportunity and am very grateful for this event.
• All I can say is thank you very much!
  
• I am a woman latina, and I do not have health insurance, and I have to do my Pap, but I don't have a job and money. But thanks to this event, "Free Friday," I can do it. Just hope I am OK. Thank you, OHSU!!
• We are self- employed and do not have health insurance. I have received NO health care for more than seven years and felt like this was a great opportunity to receive a health exam.
  
• I was denied insurance due to funding cuts. The info for this event was given out in the church I attend. Thank you!
• I was due for a Pap and breast exam but will no longer have health insurance due to divorce and inability to find work with health coverage. I am 53 years old.
  
• I have no health insurance and welcome quality care. I've had consistently excellent care at OHSU. I'm at risk for various problems due to my age and am happy to be evaluated.
• My mother was called, and we had made an appoihtment for me last year--but I couldn't attend. So this year when they called her, she and I knew I would be able to attend. So she set this up for me. Thank you, I haven't had insurance for many years.
  
• I lost my job and have no health insurance. I have always been diligent at annuals. Thanks for giving me the opportunity!
• To take care of my health as I possibly can. It's hard to find program like free Friday. I wish there were more funds to support program. Thanks again.
  
• I come from Africa where people continue to drop like flies, expeically women. They die from lack of medical services among other reasons. It did not make sense to continue dying when free help is available and when conditions can be diagnosed and atteneded to before it's too late.
• I have no health insurance and haven't had any for 7 years. I am very grateful for OHSU running this. I am 49 and getting to the point where things start to go wrong.
  
• I am 25, with a full time job. Yet, I cannot afford health insurance, but I am terrifed of public health care–this free OHSU clinic is a dream come true!
• I attended that event, because it was very important for my health. Now, I am waiting the results to know if I am healthy or not. It is good opportunity for the women, especially the low income people. I thank you so much.
  
• I am a Master's Student at PSU No health insurance at the moment Have some concerns due to fibroids and changes on my menstrual cycle.
• My friend, Tammy, is dying of cancer (breast). She may have a week. She has been [in] my heart, and I knew I had to do this so my daughter wouldn't see me die prematurely. (Her daughter is 12 years old).
• insurance since I was 18. I come from a low income household, and don't go to the doctor unless I'm severely injured or severely sick. I AM concerned about my health and well being and want to live a healthy life, and Free Friday really make me feel as if I had tons of resources readily accessable in order to help me realize my health goals.
  
• I have no insurance and have been able to work since Nov 07. I am waiting for SSI disablility and have no insurance. I really appreciate all your doing.
• Haven't been able to afford a women's exam since had health insurance 10 years ago. Thought it was a blessing and gift to have the opportunity. Thank you!!
  
• I'm a 44 year-old waitress and mother of three. It frustrates me to no end that I cannot obtain health coverage in this country [that] I have lived in and paid taxes my whol life. My exam results were normal today, but what do I do if I come in again, and something is wrong?!
• Have no insurance at this time; daughter works here and told me about the event. This is great for people like me that make too much but can't afford insurance. Thank you.
• I have no health insurance. My mother died from breast cancer.
  
• I have not had time to go and see a doctor, and I do not have insurance. My friend came [for an appointment], and so I said that I will have myself done too.
• The only problem with this program is that there aren't more like it! Everyone was terrific.
  
• I am happy to have been able to participate in this screening.
• I was surprised They did something for me that's very special. I felt beautiful.
  
• There are people out there making a difference for those of us without health care, and it rocks.
• Thank you so much for making this possible for me.