After graduating college, Rebecca Corona moved to Washington, D.C., ready to change the world. But her first winter on the East Coast introduced the California native to many new experiences—including cold, wet weather that left her seriously ill.
Her non-profit job didn’t include health insurance, leaving Rebecca trying weeks of ineffective over-the-counter remedies. Finally, she found Chase Brexton, and made an appointment at Mt. Vernon Center.
“I was so nervous when I walked in, I didn’t have a penny to my name, I didn’t really trust doctors,” she said. “But that lobby was gorgeous, it was quiet, calm, everyone helped me figure out where to go, everyone was so nice.”
Her Chase Brexton appointment came none too soon—Rebecca was diagnosed with pneumonia, and put on prescription treatment. Still, she worried whether she’d be able to pay for her care.
“I remember afterward going to one of the case workers…they said your payment today is $50,” she recalled. “And I could do that.”
In the years since, Rebecca has advanced in her career, but she never forgot the difference Chase Brexton made for her during those first few tough years. Rebecca has marshalled teams of volunteers from among her work colleagues to assist with our programs and events, determined to give back to the organization.
Recently, Rebecca and some of her co-workers volunteered their time at the National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day celebration at Baltimore Center Stage, hosted by the Center for LGBTQ Health Equity. She said the experience reaffirmed her commitment to Chase Brexton’s mission.
“Our hearts were so full being there,” Rebecca said. “None of us were like, this is a volunteer event to log our hours and go home. Our hearts were so full, we couldn’t wait to do more.”
