An observer glancing my way in a waiting room would see a somewhat overweight middle aged woman wearing loose fitting clothing carrying a wooden cane. What kind of story would you imagine for me? I am sure the one I am about to tell you is not the one you would imagine.

My name is Jane and I am 45 years old. I own my house and have raised four wonderful children. My husband passed away a few years ago and I began working part-time, but do not qualify for health insurance. After my husband passed away, I began suffering from extreme chronic pain in my thigh. I took several trips to the emergency room with no results.

I was desperate to find a doctor who would take the time to listen to my problem. I found out about Friendship Medical Clinic, a United Way Community Partner agency. I filled out the application and was approved by the clinic to receive medical care. After explaining my problem to them, they made an appointment for me on the day when the volunteering physician was an orthopedic specialist. He actually took the time to listen to my problem and the result turned out that I have arthritis due to a malformed hip socket and I would need a hip replacement to stop the pain.

The surgery was very expensive and Vocational Rehabilitation does not pay for surgery but does help with the therapy. I have a fixed income with payments on my house and car; I was scared that I could not have this surgery. One afternoon, I got a call from the clinic which told me the doctor would allow me to make payments for the surgery. That phone call changed my life; I have been feeling like a 70 year old cripple at the age of 45.

The surgery worked and I feel no more pain. My name is Jane and I live united by finding the means to get myself back into the workforce thanks to this United Way Community Partner!

(Names, Ages and Locations have been changed for privacy reasons)

Friendship Medical Clinic & Pharmacy provides basic, primary medical care and medications to low income and underserved adults in Horry County who have no access to medical insurance. The clinic provides direction, education and encouragement relating to patient health. We believe that in providing this service we are improving the quality of life, which creates an economically and socially enriched Horry County for all residents.