When Paweena’s son, Joaquim — affectionately called Jimmy— was diagnosed with autism at just two years old, her journey as a mother became intertwined with the healthcare system. At first, she navigated it with the support of Kaiser Permanente and Golden Gate Regional Center. But when her husband lost his job and the family had to transition to Medi-Cal, she found herself overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for continued care.
Before arriving at Marin Community Clinics (MCC), the family participated in a study that raised concerns about a possible diagnosis of focal cortical dysplasia, a common cause of epilepsy in children, leaving them fearful about Jimmy’s future.
That’s when MCC stepped in and changed everything.
Jimmy, now 10, has been a patient at MCC since he was eight. His care was overseen by Dr. Tracey Hessel, a name already well known and celebrated in the Marin community for her dedication to pediatric medicine.
“She provided everything Jimmy needed. I honestly wished she could be my doctor too,” Paweena laughs. “She didn’t just treat my son, she guided me.”
As the complexities of Jimmy’s care grew, it was MCC’s broader care team that proved indispensable. Dr. Hessel connected Paweena with Lulu Hernandez from the Complex Care Team, someone she now considers a guardian angel.
“Lulu helped me find the right Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, occupational therapy, speech services, all tailored to Jimmy’s needs,” Paweena recalls. “No one else helped me like that.”
The team at MCC made sure he received the necessary testing to rule out the dysplasia condition. Today, Jimmy is healthy, strong, and thriving thanks to the compassionate, coordinated care approach that MCC made possible.
Marin Community Clinics is more than a healthcare provider. It’s a community partner, especially for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Whether it’s providing seamless pediatric care, navigating Medi-Cal services, or ensuring that no question goes unanswered, MCC remains a critical safety net for thousands of Marin families.
And for parents like Paweena, the experience has been transformative.
“When Joaquim was sick and there were no same-day appointments, the nurses still came outside to give me advice and point me in the right direction,” she shares. “It’s a place that feels like family. I don’t know where we’d be without it.”
As the national healthcare scene and rising healthcare costs threaten resources for families like Paweena’s, the need for community support is greater than ever. Marin Community Clinics serves one in five Marin County residents — people from all walks of life who deserve access to care, compassion, and clarity.
If you’re looking for a way to make a lasting impact in our community, consider supporting MCC. Because for every family like Paweena’s, there are many more who just need someone to open the door.
