Personal Stories
Below are just a few of the many stories from the thousands of people that La Clínica positively impacts each year through its innovative health programs and amazing staff.
“Today, I still face serious health challenges, but I’m not facing them alone. Thanks to La Clínica, I can breathe easier and sleep better. They never give up on people like me.”
For three decades, I worked as a remodeler, fixing homes in Oakland and Alameda. But when my health began to fail, everything changed. I was diagnosed with heart problems, liver disease, lung disease, bladder issues, and other serious complications. I lost my ability to work, lost my housing, and ended up living in my truck.
Many of my medications required refrigeration, but that was impossible to do in my truck. That’s when I was connected to La Clínica. From day one, they were there for me. They fought to get me oxygen when I couldn’t afford it, made sure I had a CPAP machine when insurance denied it, connected me to food deliveries, and even helped me find transitional housing.
Your support makes their work possible. Please donate to La Clínica so that they can help others like me find care and hope for a better life.
With gratitude,
Rob
Patient of La Clínica
“As a kid I was in the dental chair all the time.”
I had a lot of issues: cavities, problems with my teeth, infections, you name it. But it was those experiences, plus my interest in science and wanting to be of service to people, especially underserved populations, that brought me to La Clínica. I knew I was interested in health care so I decided to pursue dentistry. As part of my training at UOP dental school, I had the opportunity to spend time working at La Clínica on Fruitvale. It was an invaluable experience for me because it taught me so much more about working with people. I am convinced that the confidence I have today as a dental practitioner can be traced back to my community level work with La Clínica.
Dr. Guadalupe Madrigal
DDS, former NYU Dental program resident and current dentist at La Clínica Pittsburg Dental
“I became a Peer Health Educator in my sophomore year of high school.”
I’m now a senior at Oakland Tech and the experience has really helped me grow and become a better community advocate. Through this opportunity, I’ve been able to elevate the voices of my peers and address challenges and issues impacting them. Not only this, but our diverse backgrounds makes us stronger and gives us the confidence that we can make lasting positive change. Overall, I’ve gained valuable skills and feel prepared to take on any obstacle to uplift my community.
Sela Roach
Peer Health Educator 2016–2019 at TechniClinic,
La Clínica School-Based Health Center at Oakland Technical High School
Donor Profiles
A Family Legacy of Care and Community
Bonnie came of age during the social movements of the 1960s and 70s, which shaped her belief in service and meaningful change. She earned a PhD in sociology from Stanford and built a career in environmental research and consulting across the Midwest and East Coast. Alongside her professional life, she and her husband, Roger, raised two children who pursued careers in academia and the performing arts.
In their philanthropy, Bonnie and Roger prioritize organizations that meet real needs and remain closely connected to the communities they serve. Healthcare for children and families holds particular meaning for Bonnie, influenced in part by generations of medical professionals in her family. “We have been fortunate in life and want whatever we give to truly make a difference,” Bonnie said. Supporting La Clínica has always felt like a natural choice.
After visiting La Clínica several years ago, Bonnie’s commitment deepened. Touring the pediatrics department, she noticed the warmth of the space and the genuine care among staff, patients, and families. Seeing her family name on the donor wall brought her joy and a sense of shared purpose alongside others giving what they can.
Bonnie speaks proudly of her sister’s lifelong dedication and the clinicians who go the extra mile for their patients. That commitment, she says, is why community support matters so much. Her support remains unwavering because the impact is real and profound. “If you could sit in the waiting room and see the work firsthand, you would quickly understand why La Clínica’s work matters,” she said.
Through their generosity, Bonnie and Roger demonstrate how thoughtful giving can sustain care, dignity, and hope for the communities La Clínica serves.
A Legacy of Giving and Commitment to Healthcare Access
As a long-time teacher and principal in East Oakland, Jerry first heard about La Clínica through the family of two of his students. Through that connection, he decided to learn more about La Clínica and later became an active donor. Nineteen years later, La Clínica is the top place he donates to.
“La Clínica is always the number one place I support,” Jerry said. He and his wife believe so strongly in the mission that they’ve included the organization in their will. “I’m in no rush to cash in on that!” he joked.
Jerry’s passion for healthcare was shaped during his time as an educator. There, he saw firsthand how healthcare gaps affected his students. “Truancy and healthcare go hand in hand. If a kid’s family doesn’t have access to a doctor, that kid misses school. And when kids miss school, it puts up a huge barrier to their future.”
He also credits a deeply personal reflection with motivating his support. “I asked myself, ‘What would I do if I had no healthcare?’ That question stuck with me and made me realize how vital La Clínica’s work is.”
That realization made him even more committed to supporting La Clínica, particularly its youth and family counseling services. He believes these resources not only improve health but can change lives.
For Jerry and Anna, supporting La Clínica is about impact: giving isn’t just about writing a check, it’s about making a real and tangible difference. “When I donate, I don’t just think about numbers. I picture a kid walking into the clinic, getting a cavity filled, feeling better, and going back to school. That’s powerful,” he said.
Anna’s motivation for their support is deeply rooted in her professional experience. As a clinical nurse specialist and therapist, she has witnessed the profound effect that caring and compassionate healthcare providers can have on patients and the community. Her career has given her a firsthand look at the importance of accessible, quality healthcare, reinforcing her and Jerry’s commitment to La Clínica.
They encourage anyone considering donating to La Clínica to think about this: Too many families are forced to navigate childhood illnesses without a doctor to call or a clinic to visit. Oftentimes, they just have the emergency room as a last resort. “That’s the reality for so many families,” Jerry says. “If you can help, why wouldn’t you?”
Jerry and Anna’s donor legacy will continue through the thousands of families and individuals La Clínica has been able to serve thanks to their support over nearly 20 years.
“We get a lot back in life. We have to give back, too. It’s part of the deal,” Jerry said.
“Before coming here, I had a stroke but I’ve been able to stay healthy now because of La Clínica. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. I just thank God for La Clínica every day.”
“I have always been motivated by helping others and by growing and developing myself personally and professionally. That’s why my role as Medical Assistant (MA) and MA Trainer for Care Team Uplift at La Clínica is so fulfilling.”
“Not only have they helped me in receiving medical attention, but also with housing, and trying to get a job. They are an abundance of wealth and information. It’s everything you’d ever want.”
“By supporting La Clínica, I can help assure that people who might not otherwise have access to quality health care can do so in facilities with the outmost quality and cultural competence.”