I am 69 years old and had a heart transplant 17 years ago. I have had some additional health problems but have done very well and consider myself in good health. The major reason I am doing so well is the excellent care I get at St. Luke's Medical Center. All of the health care professionals there treat each of us as individuals and as family members.

I have been on the same medication for the last 17 years with no major changes and that has worked well. I was surprised at my last day of annual tests when a new medication was added to my daily regimen. My coordinator, Christina, told me it was very expensive. I planned to take it if they said it was necessary. I had the med filled for 1 month and found out it cost about $400.

I am on a fixed income and have a lot of medical expenses and there was no way I could afford to take this new drug. I prepared myself to tell the doctor I had to say "no" to the new med. This was the 1st time I was going to do this so it was a major load on my shoulders. Unknown to me, Christina had submitted my name to an organization that assists people who are supposed to take this medication with their copay if they quality.

I got some phone calls from this organization and the woman to whom I spoke said I seemed to be a good candidate for some financial assistance for the drug. I felt like I had some special guardian angels helping me and a major load was lifted off my shoulders. I was blessed with a grant to help with the co-pay from the end of May until the end of 2013. I take it every day and it seems to be working. This is just one example of how Christina treats her patients and we all love her for it. God bless you Christina.