b"I want to thank you for providing me with a grant. Asking for help has never been easy for me. But, today, Im a 59-year-old retired firefighter with emphysema, hypercholesterolemia, symptoms of dementia, and multiple other health issues who has had to accept that I cant do this alone. My Daddy used to say 'When you have your health, you have everything,' and I now know how right he was. Ill never forget the day I nearly died in June 2009. I was coming across the parking lot to the fire station when my chest began to feel tight. By the time I got in the building, I was wheezing so hard I had to find a seat. The chief called for a medic and I was rushed to the hospital. That was my last day as a firefighter and the start of my health heading south. I spent that next week in the ICU and have been back in the ICU over 200 times since. As a firefighter, I had pulled families from burning houses, extricated victims from car wrecks, and had to tell parents that their child didnt make it. Sadly, Ive seen how things could turn upside down for people in the blink of an eye. But, when it happened to me, I had a really hard time accepting it. My pride got to me and I didnt tell anyone what was going on even as it became financially devastating. I lost my houseI lost everything. The more I fought it, the worse it got. I had to make choices between eating and paying my insurance premium. For three and a half years, I had no income and leaned on my children, my church, and two dear friends.I know now that there are people out there willing to help. Thats how I found the HealthWell Foundation. When I was diagnosed with hypercholesterolemiaan abnormal buildup of plaque that restricts blood flow to my heartmy doctor suggested I call to see if I could get financial assistance so I could afford my medication. Mary, the woman who answered the phone the day I called, was so kind and patient. She broke everything down for me to make sure I understood. I was so happy when you all said 'Yes.'I am so grateful to those who support HealthWell and to the caring staff, like Mary. This old firefighter thanks you for all youre doing to help people like me.Jim P. (HealthWell Hypercholesterolemia Fund grant recipient)Newport News, VirginiaPAGE 17|HEALTHWELL FOUNDATION 2020 ANNUAL REPORT"