Bryan's Canvas

Bryan is a painter. His canvas may be a house, a building, a room or a hallway. He is in every respect an artist... talented, sensitive, patient, and proud of his work.

Bryan first came to the Neighborhood Health Clinic when it was located in three rooms at Grand Central Station. He had a history of high blood pressure and at the time was taking 13 pills a day when first seen at the Clinic. Over time, his medication was carefully reduced to six pills a day and then to only one dose a day, and the problem is now under control The cost for his diagnostic exam and treatment, medications and on-going consultation was $8.00 - about one hour's pay.

A year or two later, it was found that Bryan had two totally blocked arteries and two stents were inserted to relieve the problem. Extensive testing, diagnosis and consultation were required but, thanks to the broad base of Clinic volunteers, doctors, nurses, hospitals and pharmacists, the cost to Bryan was, again, about $8.00.

As if this weren't enough health issues for a young man with a growing family of three daughters, Bryan was diagnosed by Dr. Lascheid in 2002 with an uncommon disease, scleroderma, a condition he had endured his entire life. With scleroderma, there is a gradual hardening of the exterior skin as well as the tissue surrounding the organs. There is no cure, just treatment of symptoms from time to time. For example, Bryan's right index finger became infected and he was unable to hold his paint brush. At his urging to, "do something to fix it so I can make enough to feed my girls", a portion of the finger was removed With the stump bandaged, Bryan is back at work and you will often find him at the Clinic touching up blemishes here and there.

Dr. Lascheid says that Bryan is the archetypical case they had in mind when the idea of The Neighborhood Health Clinic was conceived. He has a job, a skill and wants with all his heart to have a regular, steady well paying job. Major health problems do not allow this and Bryan, along with thousands like him, makes his way and supports his family working as hard as he can, when his health allows. Fortunately there is a local painting contractor who employs Bryan when he is able to work.

Unlike most patients of the Clinic, Bryan did not just go away after treatment. He has become a part of the Clinic family and they are equally part of his. "I come around to help keep the place looking good. Dr. and Mrs. Lascheid have been there for me every time I've needed them. Everyone here is the same. They care for me and everyone like me who comes through the door. I'll always be there for them."

Bryan is alive and maintaining a rewarding, if somewhat limited, life due in no small measure to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who share their time, talent and treasure at the Clinic. Bryan's canvas is the canvas of life and his subject is a special place of help, healing and hope. There can be no doubt that God is also a volunteer. And every day He blesses all who come with His miracles.