Sam had ignored his medical problems for years because he was uninsured. When his aneurysm burst, he required emergency brain surgery and was diagnosed with diabetes. He was directed to the Clearwater Free Clinic for ongoing care and medications. The volunteer-driven clinic offers low-income uninsured patients a medical home to receive care and experience better health. Currently, 75% of the clinic's patients have chronic illnesses, significantly increasing costs. The letter requests donations to continue providing comprehensive medical programs to those who cannot afford healthcare.

1. ...Building Healthy Communities
Dear Friend,
For years, Sam knew he had heart trouble and was sometimes short of breath. Although he knew he had a
little bubble in his brain called an aneurysm, he couldn’t afford to do anything about it. He was uninsured so
he ignored his medical problems until last month when he ended up in a local emergency room. His aneurysm
had burst and required emergency brain surgery. After surgery, his ailing heart and lungs shut down and he
was placed on a ventilator. Sam was lucky to have even survived but now he was dealing with an additional
diagnosis, diabetes. The hospital directed him to the Clearwater Free Clinic to receive ongoing medical care and
the medications he needs to live and work.
The volunteer-driven Clearwater Free Clinic was established to fill a gap in the health care system. The Clinic
offers the low-income, uninsured a medical home where they can receive their care and experience better health.
People like Sam come through the doors of the Clinic daily and receive top notch medical care. Healthcare is a
luxury for a person with limited income – it’s one of the last places they will spend their money. Because of the
Clinic, patients no longer have to ignore serious symptoms or use the emergency room for routine problems.
Over the last few years, the CFC has experienced a noticeable shift in our patients from one-time medical
treatment to chronic disease management. Currently, 75% of Clinic patients have one of the major chronic
illnesses, significantly increasing our costs to monitor and manage their conditions. In order to continue
providing our comprehensive medical programs, we need your help.
I hope you will remember Sam’s story this holiday season…that together, with your financial assistance and the
volunteer hours of many, we are able to give the gift of health to those who simply cannot afford it. We are proud
to report that 93 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to patient services. Your tax deductible gift will
change and improve the lives of those families who desperately need medical care. A pledge card is enclosed
for your convenience, or please visit ClearwaterFreeClinic.org and click “Donate Now.”
Best in health to each of you this holiday season,
Jeannie Shapiro
Executive Director
P.S. Thank you to those who continue to support the Clearwater Free Clinic with your generous donations.
Together, we are “building healthy communities!”
Your opportunitY to make a differenCe
everY gift Has a storY...
Clearwater free Clinic | 707 n. ft. Harrison ave. | Clearwater, fL 33755 | 727-331-8149 | www.ClearwaterfreeClinic.org
mission: to deliver comprehensive medical care to uninsured families through volunteerism and community partnerships...building healthy communities