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“This has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Remote Area Medical (RAM®) patient Daniel, gesturing to the RAM Clinic around him. “This is spectacular.”
This was Daniel’s first time at a RAM Clinic, where he received the dental, vision, and medical care he needed completely free. For Daniel, the care was life changing.
Meet Daniel
Daniel is a stay-at-home dad and the primary caregiver for his eight-year-old son with special needs. Because Daniel is not traditionally employed, he does not have health insurance. Without coverage, he had been unable to see the doctor about his torn rotator cuff or a dentist about his broken tooth.
Daniel is new to Colorado Springs, having moved there only a few months ago. He and his wife moved from Kansas so she could pursue her master’s degree and better job opportunities in Colorado Springs.
Caring for his son takes much of Daniel’s time and energy. Finding the time and money to care for himself has not been a priority. When he saw a Facebook post about the RAM Clinic, he quickly went to RAM’s website to learn more. He knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.
He arrived in the parking lot around 10 p.m. the night before the clinic and tried to sleep in his car so he could be among the first patients through the doors.
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Finally Free from Dental Pain
Before coming to the RAM Clinic in Colorado Springs, Daniel hadn’t seen a dentist in more than six years. He did his best to maintain good oral hygiene, but over time he developed cavities, and one of his teeth broke, causing sharp pain.
The tooth broke just days before the clinic and needed attention. Fortunately, he had already planned to attend the free clinic.
The clinic could not have come at a better time for Daniel. The pain from the broken tooth spread through much of his mouth, making it difficult to eat and sleep.
The volunteer hygienist also connected Daniel with local resources that could help his family as they settled into life in Colorado Springs.
When Daniel returned to the clinic Sunday, volunteers were also able to address cavities that had developed during the years he went without dental care.
Medical Care That Will Help Him Sleep Better at Night
Daniel had been dealing with pain related to his torn rotator cuff for some time. Between dental pain and shoulder pain, Daniel struggled to sleep. His restlessness was also affecting his wife’s sleep. So, fixing his sleep had become one of his top priorities.
After speaking with RAM’s volunteer medical providers, Daniel received a prescription to help manage his pain. He was hopeful that the prescription would ease his pain, but more importantly, help him sleep through the night.
“The doctor listened,” Daniel said. “He was super fantastic, and he really just did actually care.”
First Vision Exam in 20 Years
Daniel is legally blind in his left eye. He planned to return on Sunday morning for a vision exam and glasses, but volunteers were able to see him Saturday instead.
It has been nearly 20 years since Daniel last had a pair of glasses. He received his first pair at 17 years old and had not been able to see an eye doctor since. Over the years, his vision had declined.
At the clinic, Daniel received a complete eye exam, including dilation, for the first time in nearly 20 years. He became emotional while waiting for his new glasses to be made on-site in RAM’s mobile optical lab.
Before coming to the clinic, Daniel said he saw two of everything. After receiving his new glasses, he said he could finally see clearly. Daniel said clearer vision would help him better support and teach his son throughout the school year.
Free Dental, Medical, and Vision Care in Colorado Springs
Daniel started his day in dental, moved through medical, and finished in vision. Throughout the day, his energy and optimism seemed to grow, a smile on his face the whole time.
“I feel immaculately better about my health. I am super excited,” he said.
Daniel’s wife and eight-year-old son could not attend this clinic, but he said he planned to bring them to future RAM Clinic so they could receive care, too.
In just a few hours, Daniel received care for health concerns he had been living with for years. He thanked nearly every volunteer he saw throughout the day, giving them a thumbs up and letting them know just how much their volunteer efforts changed his life for the better.
“This place has been incredible for me,” Daniel said. “Like I got my teeth fixed. I’m gonna be able to get some sleep now. I’m gonna see things.”
Daniel was one of nearly 300 patients who received free healthcare at the Colorado Springs RAM Clinic. Sylvia, an Olympic bronze medalist, also received medical care at the clinic, which will allow her to continue training for the 2028 Olympics. And Jake received glasses that could help him qualify for a promotion at work.
Supporting RAM
Help more patients like Daniel get the care they need by donating to Remote Area Medical today.
Want to provide care yourself? Volunteer with RAM and make a life changing difference in the lives of our patients! Register to volunteer today.
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