ALLEGAN, Mich., (June 27, 2014)– Marcia Beare has spent her life proving people wrong. Despite losing her sight at age two from cancer, she went on to graduate from Calvin College, attain a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University and is currently running a free medical clinic in Allegan.
Beare first joined Renewed Hope Health Clinic as a volunteer in 2008 and eventually worked her way up to the position of executive director.
“When I came here, I felt like I was home. I felt like I was where I belonged,” Beare told FOX 17 News. “I want to make sure that the clinic succeeds. I want to make sure that our patients get the best care that we’re able to provide.”
A staff of volunteer physicians–including a general surgeon– serve about 2,000 thousand patients who do not have health insurance. Beare is responsible for fundraising and grant writing along with various other tasks. She also counsels her own load of patients.
“She just kind of jumped in, up to her hip boots and learned as she went along,” said Carol Visser, President of the Clinic’s Board. “she quietly goes about doing what she does, and gets a lot of satisfaction out of it. She has just tried her best to prove that it’s not what you don’t have, it’s what you do have.”
Beare, who has always been drawn to the medical field, is finishing up pre-med course work at Calvin College and will begin applying to medical schools this summer. She said one day she would love to return to the clinic and work as a doctor, if possible.
To learn more about Renewed Hope Health Clinic, call 269-355-3053, or click here.