STORIES OF HOPE
Carolina's Story
A Real Love Story
Carolina grew up in a small town with few opportunities. To provide better opportunities for herself and her family, she came to the USA when she was 19 years old. However, it was a difficult transition. She did not speak English and had little education. Although she struggled financially, she found happiness in a friendship with a young man named Jose. They both had high hopes for the future and fell in love. Carolina became pregnant a year after they met. She recalls, “It felt as though I was given a star from the sky.” She was so happy. However, she felt that she had nothing to offer her child. Carolina and Jose were renting a room and she had no job and no education. Jose had a job, but he was only making minimum wage.
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Feeling under pressure and stressed, Jose was thinking about leaving Carolina. But after reflecting on his own absent father he realized that he wouldn’t let that happen again. He wasn’t sure how they would support the child, but he would break his family’s cycle and would stick by Carolina’s side. Jose’s resolve was tested when he lost his job. Money dwindled and they were forced to move four times during the pregnancy. Sadness set in and Carolina began feeling alone. She lost faith, stopped attending church, and stopped praying. At this low point, a coworker handed Jose a RealOptions card. When Carolina went to a RealOptions Obria Medical Clinic she immediately felt supported and loved. Not only did she receive medical help and maternity clothes, but Carolina also found something she had been searching for someone to talk with. Patient Advocate Donna Hecke, knew what to say. As her pregnancy progressed, Carolina’s confidence and faith grew. Carolina gave birth to a daughter. Against the odds, a family was born and dreams were rekindled. Carolina enrolled in high school and graduated. Four years later she graduated from San Jose City College with an associate degree in accounting. After graduation, she set and accomplished another dream when she opened her own business office. Business blossomed and so did their family when Carolina and Jose welcomed a son.