Care Chronicles: Ro and Mo

After working as a designer for 45 years, Amodio never imagined that his life would change so drastically. When he was laid off, finding new employment proved nearly impossible. With no income and no health insurance, he was forced into an early retirement. At the same time, his health began to deteriorate. His wife, Rosanne, had already undergone five stent procedures, and the heart attacks kept coming. Before long, he had drained his retirement savings and 401k just trying to survive.

“I had no insurance, I had nothing,” Amodio explained. “I was like, what am I going to do now? I knew I had to pull myself up and find my way, but I didn’t know where to turn.”

That’s when he learned about 211, a resource that ultimately led him to the Clearwater Free Clinic. From the moment he walked through the doors, Amodio realized he had found more than just medical treatment—he had found a place where people truly cared. “I couldn’t believe they had this wonderful program that helps people like myself,” he said.

When he first arrived, his A1C level was dangerously high at 11.4, putting him at serious risk. With the help of Dawn, his caretaker at the Clinic, and the medical team, his health began to stabilize. In just four months, his A1C dropped to 7.2. “This is just as good as when I had insurance, if not better,” Amodio shared. “The care they give, the level of care is phenomenal. These people actually are interested in helping us. They sit down with you for a full hour and go through everything.”

Today, Amodio feels healthier, stronger, and more hopeful about his future. “I feel a hundred times better,” he said with gratitude. “I honestly think I would not be here if it wasn’t for them. I really do.”