Esther’s Story
We are so thankful to be working with the Community Health Clinic (CHC). When we first took Esther to the CHC, the staff treated us with compassion and thoroughly took their time calming our fears and answering our questions. We didn’t feel like “just another patient in the practice.” Instead, we felt the personal touch of the clinic. We were treated with personal care that one would show to a family member. The Community Health Clinic exemplifies what true healthcare should be: personalized and compassionate care.
We delivered Esther at DuPont hospital in Fort Wayne. She was a VBAC delivery with no complications. Born on a Friday, home by Saturday, baptized on Sunday. Tuesday evening we received a voicemail from the CHC saying, “Your daughter’s newborn screening test showed a possible diagnosis of PKU, we need you to come to our clinic and have her blood drawn to confirm.” After some basic googling to understand what PKU was, we were very upset.
Wednesday morning we had our first appointment; it was very tough. Esther was not even a week old having her tiny arm pinched in order to draw blood. Her diagnosis of hyperphenylalaninemia (a mild form of PKU) was confirmed.
While this was very upsetting, we knew we were in great hands at the CHC. The staff treated us with patience and compassion, even shedding some tears with us during the initial appointment. They taught us how to perform her monthly heel pricks at home and gave us all the necessary equipment should Esther need to supplement with Phenyl-Free formula.
Fortunately, Esther’s Phe levels have remained low, and she has not yet needed any medication or supplementation. Due to the phenomenal care we receive at the Community Health Clinic, we look forward to the visits, at least to see the staff, and we pray that Esther's levels continue to show improvement.