Teen with Multiple Conditions Finds Care Using Gas Cards

June 7, 2025

Suffering from Multiple Conditions

Natalie is a teenager who lives in a small town in Virginia. She and her family have been struck by hardships in recent years. When Natalie was 13, her father passed away, leaving her mother widowed. Natalie fell into depression and anxiety from this traumatic event, but got the help she needed. Then, right as she was starting up high school, Natalie was diagnosed with three autoimmune conditions. Two of them - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - attacked her digestive system. All of these events decreased her quality of life.


Nevertheless, She Persisted

However, Natalie isn't one to give up easily. She stays on the honor roll and takes college-level courses, as well as working a part time job. Her struggles may have slowed her down, but they weren't about to stop her. Still, she knew she needed to find treatment for her autoimmune conditions.



From Defeat...

When Natalie's mother found infusion treatments that could change Natalie's life for the better, it was a cause for celebration! Now, she'd be able to go to prom and enjoy other high school milestones without constantly worrying about her health. Unfortunately for Natalie and her family, the celebration was short-lived. The treatments were almost 100 miles away in Richmond, Virginia. Natalie's mother couldn't afford to drive that far, as her income was limited. It seemed like defeat was going to set in.


...To Determination

But Natalie and her family weren't going to quit just yet. They did their research, and applied for charitable ground transportation assistance through Mercy Medical Angels. Mercy Medical Angels sent Natalie and her mother gas cards. Now, they could drive back and forth to the hospital in Richmond to get the life-changing care Natalie needed.



"God Bless Your Kindness!"

When asked what they would say to Mercy Medical Angels, Natalie and her family kept the message simple - but straight from the heart. "Help with gas and travel is so helpful," said Natalie's mother. Natalie herself added her own words, reflecting a deep gratitude: "Thank you, and God bless your kindness!"

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