Originally from Belize, Roselle arrived in Las Vegas 15 years ago with her two small children. Her journey was marked by hardship, disappointment, hope, and faith, a testament to the strength of her spirit despite life’s countless trials.
The promise of a new beginning in Las Vegas quickly faded as Roselle faced the harsh reality of homelessness as she struggled to provide for her children amidst her own physical limitations. Disabled for nearly four decades due to a devastating traffic accident that left her body shattered, Roselle has battled a myriad of health issues including heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and cataract. She also suffers from depression because of years of childhood abuse and deprivation.
Despite unimaginable hardship, Roselle has a smile that can brighten any room. Before being treated by Dr. Ibrahim at the VMSN Dental Clinic, her smile bore the marks of hardship with numerous broken and decayed teeth. Roselle’s smile has been transformed, though, with partial dentures and crowns, now reflecting the absolute beauty of her resilient spirit.
Roselle speaks highly of many others at VMSN who provide warm and compassionate service; Dr. O’Hanlan, her medical doctor, diagnosed her with diabetes. With medications, education, and ongoing support, her A1C numbers went from 10.2 down to 6.9 in one year. In addition to medical treatment, the Social Behavioral Integration Services team members, Shazad and Karla, treat her like family, with respect and compassion. But one of the Dental Assistants, Kayanna, is the one who captures her heart, and that is because Kayanna is her daughter, one of her two children who accompanied her to Las Vegas so many years ago. Despite Roselle’s own lack of education, her love for God and her values of hard work were instilled in Kayanna, and she defied the odds by graduating high school with honors. Kayanna is currently pursuing higher education while working at VMSN.
While Roselle’s story is one of resilience and courage, it is also a testament to the transformative power of love and compassion. In her, VMSN found not only a patient but a blessing, a reminder of the profound impact free health care has on our community.
