Ingrid Mejia
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammed Ali
Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” My husband and I, both first-generation immigrants, have lived experiences that embody this sentiment. Our parents left their home countries, their loved ones and everything familiar, to create a family filled with possibilities for their children. Following in their footsteps, my husband and I worked hard, got lucky, and ultimately found ourselves living the “American dream.” We met while working at a major pharmaceutical company, where we’ve both dedicated over 25 years of our careers.
Although we are far removed from the struggles our parents faced, we’ve made it a priority to teach our children that not everyone has access to the same opportunities we’ve been fortunate to have. Living the “American dream” also means navigating a healthcare system that isn’t always equitable. Many people lack access to affordable healthcare because insurance is often tied to having full-time employment—a privilege not everyone can attain. As a result, countless individuals are left unable to afford the care they need to stay healthy. But here’s the silver lining: good people are everywhere. It’s because of good people that the Phoenixville Free Clinic exists—a clinic dedicated to providing healthcare to the uninsured. Staffed by volunteer healthcare providers, the clinic ensures that members of the community receive the care they deserve. This is where our daughter, Isabel, spent a year volunteering as a certified phlebotomist in the clinic’s lab. Her experience there not only gave her a deeper understanding of healthcare inequities but inspired me to get involved as well. I began volunteering as a patient translator at the clinic, and it was through her example that I found myself at Murphy’s Giving Market on Saturday August 23, carrying forward the spirit of giving that has defined our family’s journey.
While volunteering as a translator at Murphy’s Market, I encountered patients of all ages—scared, vulnerable, and filled with questions. Some wondered what the “bumps” on their skin might mean, while others tried to grasp the implications of being told they may have diabetes and what that diagnosis could mean for their future. One woman broke down in tears after a screening suggested she might have diabetes. We comforted her, offering hugs and reassurance, making sure she felt heard and valued. By the time she left, she was determined to make lifestyle changes to take control of her health. I also met an 18-year-old young man who had recently arrived in the United States, leaving his family behind and living at a friend’s house. He was worried about unusual bumps on his skin and suspected they might be stress-related, but he had no idea what caused them. He was understandably nervous and asked if I could accompany him to his upcoming dermatology appointment. While I couldn’t go with him, I assured him that he would have access to other compassionate and capable translators who would support him throughout his visit. Moments like these remind me of the resilience and courage individuals carry, even in the face of uncertainty, and the importance of creating spaces where they feel cared for and supported. The students and residents involved in ICB are making a difference. They are paying their “rent”.
Lizz Ryan
I planned a trip to visit my son Shayne in Philadelphia for a few days. A few weeks before my trip, Shayne asked me if I would like to go with him to translate Spanish to English for the doctors at the Health Promoter Program. I responded right away and was honored and happy to help, as well as experience what Shayne so passionately does for different communities. Being part of the clinic allowed me to witness firsthand the compassion, patience, and dedication that he and the entire team bring to their work. Seeing him interact with patients—listening attentively, offering comfort, and helping bridge the language barrier—filled me with immense pride. I was moved by how the program not only provides care but also dignity to those who might otherwise go unseen. I am so proud that he has taken this on with the guidance of Father Clark, and that he continues to grow through service to others. Shayne has always been a passionate, kindhearted person and has many other beautiful qualities. This experience reminded me of the power of empathy and service, and I am so proud of the human he has become.