Make an
impact today.
Story Core: Meet Ernesto
The work of LIFE Senior Services improves the lives of so many older adults. Yet, when someone reaches out to say that LIFE literally helped to save a life, it leaves us all feeling humbled and amazed. Ernesto is one of those people.
Ernesto works hard each day at an industrial laundry service here in Tulsa. The work is hot and difficult. Ernesto was diagnosed with cancer and sought treatment, but transportation was a significant obstacle. He tried to arrange transportation on his own, but the cost was prohibitive and the rides were not as reliable as he needed.
Fortunately, he saw an ad for LIFE’s medical transportation. He went to our website and was immediately relieved. For those of us who have cars, it may be hard to imagine just how significant Ernesto’s relief was. He had been paying almost $2,000 each month just to get to his treatments, and dependability had been an issue. With rides from LIFE, Ernesto said, “The cost with LIFE was nothing in comparison. I thank God for providing this service.”
As important to Ernesto as its affordability was the reliability of LIFE’s medical rides. He had dealt with other services, and dependability was an issue. His rides sometimes ran so late that he missed his vital treatment appointments. Ernesto said, “Having reliable transportation I can afford lets me focus on getting well.”
Because LIFE got Ernesto to all of his appointments, his treatment protocol is complete for now. He will be tested every six months and understands he may have to undergo treatment in the future. For now, he is feeling good and is positive about the future. As a child in Peru, Ernesto loved soccer and running. He feels well enough now to run again on the River Parks trail with his dog Leona.
Reflecting on Ernesto and his new chapter, we are all grateful, and know he is, too. Your generosity makes so much possible for older adults in our community. We hope you will continue to support LIFE and its work to promote independence for seniors.
Pictured: One of LIFE’s friendly, professional drivers.
Discover More Stories
-
![Elderly woman with gray hair smiling, resting chin on hand, wearing a green sweater.]()
Meet Marybeth
LIFE’s SeniorLine recently received a call for help from Marybeth, an 82-year-old diabetic woman. She dropped and broke her blood/sugar monitor, and her insurance company wouldn’t pay to replace it. So, she called LIFE’s SeniorLine crying, scared, and frustrated.
-
![Two people standing in front of a sign for an adult day health center.]()
Meet Linda and Chris
What does a hard-working, single professional do when a parent needs 24-hour monitoring? Dr. Christopher Allen would say, “Several of my friends recommended LIFE Senior Services, and I couldn’t be more pleased, honestly.”
-
![Elderly couple smiling indoors with wooden furniture in the background.]()
Meet Janet and Gil
Like so many other people who take on the role of caregiver for a loved one, Janet had no advance preparation or training. Fortunately, she was referred to LIFE’s Caregiver Support Program, who guided her in the right direction.”
-
![]()
Meet Loretta and Kerri
Loretta moved to the Tulsa area to live closer to her granddaughter Kerri. After Loretta remarried, Kerri grew concerned over her living situation and possible abuse. They contacted LIFE Senior Services and were guided through some major changes.
-
![]()
Meet JoAnn
JoAnn first brought her husband to LIFE’s Adult Day Health 25 years ago, and it was a lifesaver for her. He was an older spouse and developed Alzheimer’s. Joanne said, “The first time I picked him up, he was busy working on an art project and didn’t want to leave until he finished it.”
-
![]()
Meet Patti
Patti requires a wheelchair for mobility and no longer drives. When the need for dialysis arose, she needed transportation three times a week. Unable to afford both housing and transportation, she faced an unimaginable dilemma.
-
![]()
Meet Charlie
Charlie has always possessed a love for learning, and now he has the time and opportunities to continue honing old skills and learning new ones. How? Participating at Roma Berry’s Active Senior Center, and you make it happen.
-
![]()
Meet Ernesto
The work of LIFE Senior Services improves the lives of so many older adults. Yet, when someone reaches out to say that LIFE literally helped to save a life, it leaves us all feeling humbled and amazed. Ernesto is one of those people.
