Cancer survivor provides free health care for uninsured

Cancer survivor provides free health care for uninsured

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/20/cnnheroes.faith.coleman/index.html



Faith Coleman's ordeal as an uninsured cancer patient drove her to help others without health insurance.

BUNNELL, Florida (CNN) -- Faith Coleman had no health insurance when she learned she had cancer, but she describes her battle with the illness as "one of the absolute greatest blessings" of her life.

"Having kidney cancer was one of the best things that ever happened to me ... because I can truly empathize with patients," said Coleman, 54.

That compassion inspired Coleman to open a free clinic in her Florida community to help other uninsured people in need of medical care.

In July 2003, Coleman, a nurse practitioner, learned she had a malignant tumor growing on her right kidney. But as a contract worker for several doctors, she did not receive health insurance. Coleman's treatment totaled about $35,000, and she was forced to take out a mortgage on her house to help pay for it.