By Sarah Lowy | Sr. Associate, Development
COVID-19 left a deep scar on Ana* and Matteo’s lives: Ana’s stepfather died from the disease. “He kept saying that his insurance didn’t cover everything, and it was too expensive,” says Ana.
There were other losses, too: Both Ana and Matteo became unemployed because of the pandemic. With their two teenage children, the couple followed protocols to stay safe, even as they wondered about their future. “It was a really hard situation,” says Ana. The couple married and immigrated from Guatemala more than 10 years ago and have been part of the Bridgeport, Connecticut community ever since. That includes being patients at the Fred Weisman Americares Free Clinic of Bridgeport.
“We were already researching where to go to get the vaccine when the clinic called,” says Matteo. “They always have us in mind — not just in terms of health care, but in our lives as well.” The couple received both shots from the Bridgeport Department of Health at the Americares Free Clinic in Bridgeport.
Being vaccinated has delivered many benefits. “It gave me the opportunity to have a job again,” says Ana, who needed the immunization for her new job at a deli. And Matteo is now working as a landscaper and tree trimmer. “The day of my vaccination was also my birthday,” says Matteo. “I felt like it was truly a divine gift to receive it. It’s a new opportunity – to be at peace, enjoy the family and see an opportunity for the future.”
“It may sound like a cliché,” says Ana. “But for us, health is life.”
*names changed for privacy
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