Heidy Meraz, Hudson, CO

My husband, Guadalupe, and I heard about Christian Healthcare Ministries from our accountant. She suggested the ministry because we are Christians, couldn’t afford the other plans available to us and didn’t qualify for government assistance.

In 2016 our 14-year-old son, Ezequiel, started having pain and swelling in his legs that spread to his back. He was in so much pain that he had to use crutches. Doctors at first thought he had a bone problem but eventually discovered it was deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a vein. It took a long time for doctors to diagnose the problem because at that age it’s unusual to have a blood clot.

At first I was very anxious; we’d never submitted medical bills to CHM before and I didn’t know how it worked. There was also a question of whether the condition was pre-existing, so the CHM staff requested Ezequiel’s medical records.

I began to think we were going to be left with thousands of dollars in medical bills and no way to pay them. However, I soon learned that because the condition was pre-existing Ezequiel’s name would be listed in the Prayer Page of CHM’s monthly Heartfelt newsletter—members would see our need and be able to respond through their voluntary donations.

In all, we were looking at charges of about $43,500. I was able to obtain discounts from nearly every healthcare provider, reducing our cost to $24,800. I told them that as a member of CHM Ezequiel was a self-pay patient. Thankfully, they were willing to work with me not only by extending discounts but also by enabling me to set up payment plans until CHM shared the bills.

While listed on the Prayer Page we received monthly checks from CHM along with many prayers and letters of encouragement. The realization that people would take the time to write to our son, pray for him and share our burden was a breath of fresh air during a very difficult time. It was like receiving word from a beloved, long-distance friend.

Today we have no medical debt thanks to CHM members. Ezequiel is 16 and still has a blood clot in his leg, but together with the doctors we’re watching and waiting, trusting the Lord and praying for a miracle of healing.

We don’t have words to express the gratitude we feel for CHM and every member who shared not just our financial burden, but our emotional and spiritual concerns as well. We hope we can become a blessing to others as you have been to us.