Happy (Belated) Holidays to Sojourner Health Clinic!

As I mentioned back in October (An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure), I have been vigorously fundraising for the Sojourner Health Clinic as a part of my platform service. I am so honored to be a part of this compassionate organization that works toward providing medical care for underserved areas and for uninsured patients. Please visit either my previous blog entry or the Sojourner website for more information about their mission and my participation.

Being a free and non-for-profit clinic, Sojourner is always looking for donations, be it supplies, toiletries, or money, to help our team best take care of our patients' every need, not just their medical ones. Along with the Columbia Duffer's Club, I have been able to raise funds to again buy toiletries such as toothpaste, feminine products, shampoo, deodorant, and soap as well as raise $500 to be used to purchase medical equipment and medication. We decided to present the "gifts" as a belated holiday celebration.

Presenting the check to Dr. Purdom, my advising physician, and Charlie Spencer, the president of Sojourner Health Clinic

When I came to present the donations and check, my patients were shocked to see me out of my scrubs and in my crown and sash. After my crown got passed around and tried on, my patients were selflessly asking if there was anything they could do to help me in my quest for Miss Missouri. Again, my wonderful patients amaze me as they forget their own problems or concerns to encourage and help me. Unfortunately, I had to tell them that the crowning of Miss Missouri was not decided by a public vote, but I appreciated their support. :-) Again, since I provide care for the patients at Sojourner, I am not allowed to post pictures of them, but Craig is a team member, and he wanted to try on the crown, too!

Thank you to the members of the Columbia Duffer's Club for recognizing and working so hard to fulfill the needs of these patients and our clinic. Also, thank you to Dr. Purdom and Charlie Spencer for guidance and participation in fundraising.