That Experience Changed Me Forever’: Tania’s HealthFinders Story

At Together for Health 2026, we were honored to have Tania share her experience with HealthFinders Collaborative. Tania spoke about what community care has meant for her, her family, and the neighbors she supports. These are her remarks, edited lightly for readability.

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Hola. It is a true pleasure to be here today. I am deeply grateful to stand in a room filled with people who not only care for one another, but who dedicate their lives to supporting those most in need.

I am here as a community organizer to express my heartfelt gratitude for being present when it matters most. Healthcare is a global challenge, yet in this room I see people who have made it their mission to ensure that no one is left behind.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I supported my grandmother on my father’s side through a serious illness in Guatemala. There were many moments when I had to count every penny just to make sure we could afford an appointment or medication. Despite our efforts, her body grew weaker, and before she passed, she asked us to stop trying and allow her to rest.

That experience changed me forever.

Coming from Guatemala, I know how many disadvantages exist—especially when it comes to healthcare. Living between two countries has shown me how vital it is to have a community that understands and responds to the most basic human needs.

Because of HealthFinders, I no longer worry about counting pennies for my friends, my family, or myself. I know my community has the tools to support one another.

While organizing around essential needs, I met a woman whose passion is singing to God. After losing her teeth, she faced an impossible choice between paying rent, paying for electricity, or having surgery. Through HealthFinders, she regained her smile, her confidence, and her voice.

Today, she is singing again.

My young cousin’s dream of becoming a professional athlete was shaken after an accident during practice. HealthFinders was there to help without hesitation—offering care, encouragement, and hope. Hearing a doctor tell her not to give up changed everything.

I also remember visiting HealthFinders doctors as a teenager newly arrived in this country. I was struck by the compassion, dignity, and kindness shown to me by strangers whose purpose was simply to care.

Thank you for caring about the things beyond our control.

Thank you for supporting my neighbors, my family, and me. I am especially grateful for the care you have provided to my grandmother on my mother’s side, who is here in the United States. Because of you, she can receive the support she needs to continue living with dignity—without ever feeling guilty about the cost of staying alive.

I cannot fully repay all that you do, but I offer my deepest gratitude and my commitment to continue this work alongside you.

May God bless each and every one of you.

Do you have a story about community care? Share it with us! Contact Wendy at sara.wendy@healthfindersmn.org.