BRIDGE THE GAP
Lazarus Free Medical Clinic
Since 2022
Mammograms, Ultra-sounds and X-rays provided by Langley Health Services in collaboration with Lazarus Free Clinic.
Imagine for a moment
that you are a single mother of three young children, working two part-
time jobs, but neither of them offers health insurance. You’ve been in severe pain for the last
several days. Finally, you have no choice but to take off work and get a friend to watch the kids
so you can go to the free clinic where the doctors, nurses, and staff volunteer their time. The
doctor there examines you and wants to send you right away for a CT scan. With no insurance
and no savings, the cost of that test makes it completely out of your reach. Now panic and
worry join the pain.
Marilee (not her real name) found herself in just that predicament. Without a CT, the doctor
could not make a certain diagnosis and without a diagnosis, no treatment could be planned.
Fortunately, she had gone to Lazarus Free Clinic in Wildwood. It was there she learned about
the “Bridge the Gap” program funded by two area Rotary Clubs and administered through
Langley Health Services. Being low-income and having no insurance, Marilee qualified for a
grant.
Rotary Club of The Villages-Evening and Rotary Club of The Villages (Morning) designed the
“Bridge the Gap” program in August, 2022, for just these situations. Working with Lazarus Free
Clinic and Langley Health Services (a non-profit Federally Qualified Healthcare Organization in
Sumterville), the Rotary clubs set up a grant for qualified individuals that pays for urgently
needed diagnostic imaging. The clubs provided initial funding of $10,000.
Since August, 2022,
additional contributions from the clubs and other donations have helped almost 200 patients
get medically necessary CT’s, MRI’s, Ultrasounds, and Mammograms. The results of these tests
have enabled the doctors to find appropriate treatment plans for their patients. Some of the
tests are life-changing; some of them are life-saving.
Such was the case for Marilee. During the CT, it was discovered that she had a kidney stone so
large that it was completely blocking the flow of urine, causing enormous and dangerous
swelling of her kidney. Based on these crucial findings, Marilee was immediately sent to the
hospital for emergency surgery. It was getting the CT that led to prompt treatment, eliminating
any further damage or certain death of her kidney.
Marilee is only one of many patients that Bridge the Gap has helped. Some patients, like
Marilee, need immediate treatment; others are referred to cancer centers or specialists for
treatment.
Bridge the Gap grants have provided over $25,000 of tests that have changed or
saved lives.
Contributions to the “Bridge the Gap” fund enable the continuation of this vital program. All
donations are tax-deductible and 100% goes towards urgent diagnostic imaging services. To
donate online, visit www.rotaryvillagesevening.com or send your check, payable to “Rotary
Club of The Villages-Evening Foundation” and write “Bridge the Gap” in the memo line. Mail to
PO Box 465, Lady Lake, FL 32158.
PHOTO:
L-R Lynda Simpson, 3 volunteers from Lazarus Free Clinic, Pixie Wilder, RC of The Villages Morning
Kneeling Evening Rotary President, Kat Sizemore, Julie Schmied.