A sweet and friendly girl of 13 years, Gabriela has faced more difficulties in her short life than most people face in their entire lifetime. Gabriela is an epileptic. Before her family emigrated from Argentina, Gabriela was on medications, which had reduced the frequency of her seizures but had also caused liver damage. When she first came to Columbia Road Health Services last year, Gabriela was referred by one of our physicians to a neurologist willing to see her at a reduced cost for an evaluation of her seizures and a recommended course of treatment.

We also referred Gabriela to one of our social workers, who discovered that Gabriela had not been in school for over a year. Her mother explained that she was not allowed in school because of her seizures. She also feared that the rough kids would hurt Gabriela. Gabriela was very lonely because she had no friends and participated in none of the activities of the average teenager. After calling the school nurse, our social worker learned that Gabriela could attend school once they received her medical record. Her mother had not understood this simple instruction because of her limited English. We were able to quickly send Gabriela’s medical file and begin the paperwork to enroll her in school. Our social worker acted as interpreter to ensure no further setbacks.

Gabriela soon began school and has suffered no additional epileptic episodes. Recently, she returned to see us so that we could monitor her liver function and renew her medications. Gabriela told us that she was very happy at school and that biology, computers, and math are her favorite classes. We are overjoyed that she is doing well – both medically and socially – and pleased that we have been able to help her. Her mother is dedicated to maintaining her child’s health, but without health insurance, it would be challenging were it not for Columbia Road Health Services.

*Patient names and certain identifying details are changed to protect confidentiality.

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