Opening doors to better health and a brighter future: Lillie’s story
How a patient found stability and hope with her Zufall care team
When Lillie lost her health insurance, job, and home in the same year, she felt like every door in her life was closing. The 56-year-old home health aide and certified nursing assistant found herself living in her car — without access to a doctor, insulin to manage her diabetes, or hope for the future.
Everything changed after Lillie’s first visit with Physician Assistant Jenna Martin, PA, at Zufall Health. Martin provided essential primary care and recognized that Lillie needed a coordinated approach to help her access vital resources and regain stability.
“Jenna and the team looked at the whole picture of my health, not just part of it. With that appointment, it was like one door opened, and then they kept on opening,” Lillie says.
Martin referred Lillie to Clinical Pharmacist Pablo Fragoso, RPh, who helped her get her diabetes under control after months without medication, quality nutrition, or a comfortable sleeping environment. Critically, Lillie was able to gain access to affordable insulin through Zufall Health’s Goodale Pharmacy.
The care didn’t stop there. Fragoso then connected Lillie with Zufall’s Behavioral Health team, where Licensed Clinical Social Worker Maria Menzel, LCSW, helped her process trauma. Case Manager Karla Espinoza quickly secured housing for Lillie at a shelter in Morristown. With a safe place to stay, receive regular meals, and store her insulin, Lillie began feeling much more at peace.
“This is the best health care team I’ve ever worked with,” Lillie says. “As long as you are committed to helping yourself, they will do everything they can to help you.”
Today, doors continue to open for Lillie. She is working with Zufall’s health insurance enrollment team to enroll in Medicaid. She is also looking for a new job with the ultimate goal of securing her own housing.
“If it weren’t for Zufall, I don’t know where I’d be. Coming here feels like I’m with my relatives. I feel nothing but warmth from everyone I meet, and there are no words to truly express all they’ve done for me.”