“I prayed hard for the Lord’s help and always believed there is power in prayer. Then this miracle happened (of finding St. Luke’s),” Gavino said. “God works in miraculous ways.”

Linda Gavino planned to move to the United States from the Philippines to be with her daughter, but in October 2023 doctors discovered colon cancer. While exploring treatments, she also noticed something unusual about one of her breasts. However, surgical fears and worries about moving kept her from asking questions.

Early in 2024, Gavino could not ignore the changes in her breast. She did not have insurance and was not sure what do to. Her daughter, Helen Johnson, mentioned the dilemma to a friend who told her about Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s St. Luke’s Medical Clinic in Eustis. Gavino decided to give it a try.

Erin Burley, director of Catholic Charities clinics, immediately began searching for insurance options. She secured coverage for the required testing through The Pink Program, a nonprofit that helps the uninsured screen for various cancers. Then she put Gavino’s daughter in contact with Moffit Cancer Center.

Johnson is grateful to Burley and the staff at St. Luke’s for guiding her through the process.