PART 23: When the Door Opened

A year and a half after the storm, Teresa volunteered at an evening information session organized by the pediatric kidney clinic.

She did not stand at a podium as a perfect example of anything.

She sat beside a patient advocate and answered questions from parents who were confused by insurance forms, transportation notices, and prescription delays.

One father asked what he should do if a company threatened to cancel his child’s appointments because he challenged a bill.

“Call the clinic directly,” Teresa said.