We believe that everyone should have access to a doctor.

And we happen to run a free clinic that’s doing just that.

From Mostafa Eldasher

Chief Mission Officer at CHFC

Cherry Hill, NJ

Dear Kind Friend,

Health insurance premiums are through the roof.

And for many, it's useless for anything less than a catastrophe.

But the problem keeps growing...

Most people are $500 away from being in financial ruin.

They're barely getting by. (You've probably felt it yourself.)

It now costs a couple with two young kids $76,000/year to live in Camden County. 

And that's just to survive. 

You're probably thinking that's crazy. But it gets worse...

That was back in 2016.

It's likely even higher now.

Remember when $76k/year meant you had it made? 

(You can see much more data by County at UnitedForALICE.org)

Our neighbors are living in fear of medical poverty.

31% of Camden County is above the federal poverty line, but below what it takes to survive.

That's 57,509 struggling households, with little assistance available.

And that's just one county. The surrounding counties are just as bad.

That means for our neighbors and co-workers, a trip to the doctor better be worth it. And carrying adequate insurance is... well... a fantasy.

But it's much worse than that...

The thought of doing something fun gives them anxiety over the possibility of getting hurt. 

A sniffle or cough sends them into a panic over what it might be.

When over-the-counter stuff doesn't work for their rash or infection, despair takes hold of them.

They're stuck with tough choices:

1) To ignore their health and suffer, or

2) visit the Emergency Room and play Bankruptcy Roulette. 

What kind of life is that?

Now imagine what that does to their mood and mental wellbeing. 

It certainly doesn't make it easier on their family.

Especially their children.

But there is hope! CHFC is here for those in need of a doctor. 

Since we opened in 2017, Cherry Hill Free Clinic has seen over 1,200 patients, during more than 2,500 primary care appointments. 

We saved the lives of several. And ended a long stretch of suffering for many. 

All without charging a dime, thanks to our gracious donors and volunteers.

We often see about 16 patients a day. But that number is quickly rising...

The record setting day.

I remember Dr. Jubril—the founder of CHFC—walking in with a big smile on his exhausted face. 

He looked like a defensive lineman after a 41-33 Super Bowl victory. 

After he knocked the wind out of me with one of his iconic handshake-hugs,

he told me something amazing...

“We served 37 people today!”

I couldn’t believe it. Early on, we rarely saw that many people in an entire month!

“Our team didn’t want to go home until we took care of everyone in the waiting room.” He said with excitement.

"They’ve already given up their weekend and wanted to make it count.”

I looked to his right at our wall display, where there’s a timeline of the work we’ve done alongside our donors. Pictured on it are some of the volunteer doctors, nurses, and clinical staff he just mentioned.

Our team gives up their weekends, skipping out on time with their loved ones, to give those in need free access to care.

Together with our amazing donors, we're giving free primary care to those caught in the cracks.

That means our neighbors who are working hard, but struggling to get ahead can actually sleep soundly and live a normal life, like hundreds of millions of other Americans.

These 37 patients could be...

• your child's care worker,
• your hardworking parents, now on Social Security,
• the mechanic who's kept your car working,
• the chef at your favorite restaurant,
• the waitress who makes you feel welcomed,
• your elderly neighbor's home health aide,
• your child's teacher,
• your hotel worker who makes you feel like royalty,
• the landscaper who makes your home look like a palace,
• your HVAC technician that helps keep you cool/warm,
• the first responder who risks their life to save you.

In honor of the 37 people we served on that day, would you give $3.70 to help serve more?

That's just 10 cents for each of them.

Our patients have told us they feel valued again... That access to care is like finally being able to breathe.

We've even heard several tell us that what we're doing has certainly saved their lives.

How patients feel about the work we do:

The reward of helping others feels greater than helping ourselves.

Serving is in our DNA. Our team passionately chips away at the healthcare disparity— and it's contagious. 

Over 120 volunteers have helped us treat those in need. And more keep joining us.

I spoke to one of our nurses, Dana Hughes, who repeatedly volunteers during her only time off. When I asked her why she gave up so much, she said serving patients at CHFC made her feel alive. 

Nurse Hughes has family that struggled without insurance, and tells herself that it could one day be her. So her goal is to make every patient feel valued, no matter what it takes. 

The beginning of a movement.

Witnessing acts of kindness gives us feelings of joy.

So when word spread about what we're doing, many wanted to help anyway they could.

The news media reported on it.

Healthcare organizations supported our cause.

And many gave generously for those in-need to see a doctor.

Join hundreds of passionate givers just like you.

With your help, we can provide free access to quality primary care for another 37 lives...

and then after that, 370 more lives...

then 37,000 lives...

until the day where we can finally say...

"No one in our area is suffering from lack of access to care!"

Together, we can honor the 37 patients we saw on that day, and show the world just how far a small gesture can go.

 I hope you’ll join me in honoring them today by giving just $3.70. 

Graciously,

—Mostafa