Marlene

Marlene first came to Loudoun Free Clinic while experiencing recurring groin pain. Prior to finding our clinic, Marlene had visited other healthcare facilities where her needs were not fully addressed. While working a full-time job, she became increasingly alarmed by high medical expenses and limited care options. Marlene eventually learned about Loudoun Free Clinic by word of mouth from another patient. Initially, the thought of starting over at yet another clinic and repeating the same tests and paperwork discouraged her from enrolling. Eventually, with encouragement and support from Maria, LFC’s Eligibility and Volunteer Coordinator, she decided to sign up.

Marlene expresses deep gratitude for the care she received during her first appointment with Nurse Practitioner (NP) Pam Sabella. “Everyone was very welcoming. I received medical attention that I had never received before, including medical exams I had never had done,” she shares. Due to her ongoing groin pain, NP Sabella referred Marlene for additional testing. Unfortunately, those tests led to a diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma cancer. Receiving the diagnosis was overwhelming. “When I heard the word ‘cancer,’ a lot of different thoughts came to mind. ‘I’m going to die’. ‘What about my family, my kids?’” Marlene said through tears. “It was a very difficult moment for me, and it was hard to process everything on my own. But NP Sabella told me that I wasn’t alone and that she was going to help me face this illness. I will always be grateful for that.”

Since her diagnosis, Marlene shares that the journey has been extremely challenging, both emotionally and financially, due to missing work for medical treatments and illness. She has faced anxiety, depression, and significant financial strain. However, with the continued support of the clinic’s staff and free medical care, she has been able to manage her condition and move forward with strength. “I will always be thankful for everything this clinic has done for me. It has pretty much saved my life,” she says. “Everyone always checks in on me to see how I’m doing. I’m especially thankful to Maria for encouraging me to apply, because my plan was never to come here, and to NP Sabella for helping me overcome this disease.”

Today, Marlene continues her treatment and recovery journey. With the guidance of our medical and administrative staff, as well as specialist partners, she has adjusted to a new lifestyle that allows her to manage her health with confidence and hope. Marlene’s positive experience has inspired her to recommend Loudoun Free Clinic to friends and family and to emphasize the importance of preventive healthcare and early detection.

“LFC is my safe place. I feel comfortable and secure coming in for appointments with NP Sabella and NP Carter,” Marlene shares. “I don’t have enough words to describe how thankful I am.”