Arletha

When Arletha went to the hospital emergency department with symptoms resembling a stroke, she could not have anticipated the coming turn of events. Her facial paralysis was diagnosed as Bell’s palsy, a weakness of the facial muscles caused by nerve damage. The good news for Arletha was that Bell’s palsy is not related to a stroke, and often resolves on its own. Because Arletha did not have a primary care doctor, she was referred her to Progressive Community Health Centers for ongoing care.

During a routine exam, her doctor at Progressive recommended a mammogram. “That’s when I found out I had a very early stage of breast cancer,” says Arletha. Her family and friends rallied with close support while she underwent treatment at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. With limited health insurance, Arletha qualified for significant help through Froedtert’s Financial Assistance Program and the Froedtert Hospital Foundation. Today, Arletha is a breast cancer survivor in good health, in good spirits and back at work.

“So many wonderful people came into my life – my cancer care team and my doctor at the clinic – and they have really been there for me,” says Arletha. “I am so thankful for everyone at Froedtert and Progressive.”