Transforming Lives: How Catholic Charities Health Care Network is Delivering Essential Care to the Uninsured

Pablo Ramos, affectionately known as “Don Pablo,” was a beloved mayor in his hometown in Honduras, dedicating over a decade to improving the lives of his community. After moving to Silver Spring, Maryland, with his daughter, he faced a daunting challenge when he was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma, a serious and rare cancer, in 2015.

Lucky for him, he found help through the Health Care Network, part of Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C., which offers free medical services to those who are uninsured. After years of treatment, including chemotherapy and surgeries, 81-year-old Ramos is now cancer-free. He credits Catholic Charities, stating, “Without them, I would be resting in peace.”

The Health Care Network recently celebrated 40 years of service, helping thousands of patients like Ramos. Volunteer medical specialists at local hospitals, such as MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and Sibley Memorial Hospital, provide essential services, including surgeries and cancer treatments. These hospitals cover costs that many patients can’t afford. In fact, for the upcoming fiscal year, their pro-bono contributions total an impressive $10.6 million.

Patients typically pay a small fee for visits, ensuring that the bulk of the services remains accessible for free. Since its inception in 1984, around 70,000 patients have received care from a team of over 300 volunteer specialists across various medical fields, including oncology and orthopedics. Many patients come for cancer treatments or orthopedic surgeries.

Esperanza Abarca, manager of the network, points out that many uninsured individuals avoid seeking medical help due to financial worries. She recalls a heartbreaking case of a 25-year-old who died from treatable kidney stones simply because he didn’t seek care.

Dr. Susan Pankratz first met Ramos before his diagnosis when she was his primary care physician. She was always impressed by his kindness and resilience. After discovering the extent of his cancer, she felt worried but quickly referred him to the Health Care Network, where he was treated at Georgetown’s oncology department. Ramos underwent various treatments, including immunotherapy and radiation, and faced several challenges, such as a painful jawbone condition caused by previous treatments.

Thanks to the expertise of specialists at Georgetown, including Dr. Timothy DeKlotz and Dr. Jonathan Giurintano, Ramos received comprehensive care. They performed complex surgeries that helped rebuild his jaw, utilizing advanced techniques and technologies to ensure the best outcomes. Dr. Giurintano expresses the importance of equitable healthcare, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their financial situation, get the same level of care.

Today, Ramos enjoys life again, cooking familiar meals and spending quality time listening to the radio and watching soccer games. His story is one of hope and gratitude, inspired by the volunteers who supported him through his toughest battles.

The Health Care Network was founded by the late Cardinal James Hickey, who aimed to address the healthcare needs of uninsured individuals. He gathered local physicians in 1983, and the network has grown since, now offering vital services to those who would otherwise fall through the cracks. Many volunteers, including Sister Mary Louise Wessell, believe that the Health Care Network is a true blessing for those in need.

As healthcare can often seem out of reach for many, the Health Care Network embodies the spirit of compassion and support. From urgent cancer treatments to ongoing care, they are committed to ensuring that every patient receives the help they deserve. Just as Sister Romana Uzodimma states, the network is not just a service, but a ministry of healing, providing unwavering support every step of the way.

In sharing his experiences and those of others, Ramos highlights the importance of accessible healthcare and the incredible impact charitable organizations can have on individual lives.