02/05/2026
Throwback Thursday to a Mission Message from Maggie...
In honor of Virginia B. Andes, I would like to thank the organization for its superb volunteer work in the delivery and facilitation of Medical, Pharmacy and Wellness Services to the under-served in Charlotte County.
I arrived here in Port Charlotte on November 12, 2019. My father, a 33-year resident of Punta Gorda, welcomed me into his home for what we both thought would be a temporary stay. While hopeful, I felt an urgency to find employment to support myself, along with obtaining medical insurance for my severe essential tremors, often mistaken for Parkinson’s Disease.
My essential tremor was at the root of interview discrimination. Mine is a severe case of essential tremors, with unpredictable head bobbing, involuntary jaw twitching, hand shaking, brain confusion, extreme social anxiety and sleeping disturbances.
Upon my arrival to Charlotte County, I had enough medication for a few months. And I felt if I could ration it, I could make it last until surely I would find employment and my medical needs would be met. I called a number of places, all of which would charge an amount I simply could not pay to see a Doctor, and the additional cost of the medication overwhelmed me.
One day while not feeling well, I drove to Bayfront Health where I was treated for conjunctivitis. I explained my other immediate needs for medical assistance and was directed to Virginia B. Andes [Volunteer Community Clinic].
Afterwards, I sat in my car and looked across at Virginia B. Andes. It was at that moment I felt a peace come over me, knowing I could get my medication and begin to feel some level of normal.
Thank you, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Fawcett Memorial Hospital for supporting Virginia B. Andes and its overall mission and future sustainability. Most importantly, thank you Virginia B. Andes memory and volunteers for your ongoing commitment to the under-served of Charlotte County.
Best Regards,
Maggie
For the full message, visit: https://volunteercare.org/a-mission-message-from-maggie/