“I experienced my care as a true partnership with the medical staff, defined by respect at every step”

Erik is a 25-year-old Contra Costa County resident who has spent nearly two decades building a life in the United States. Since arriving from Honduras at the age of eight, he has focused on supporting his family and persevering. For the last few years, he has been an essential part of the local workforce, holding a physically demanding job loading packages onto trains. When he is not working, Erik values his quiet time, often relaxing and listening to music.

In 2023, Erik noticed a bump near his tailbone. The bump developed into a pilonidal cyst and began to become a significant burden, causing swelling and sharp pain that made it difficult for him to perform his labor-intensive job or even lie down to rest comfortably. He sought initial relief at urgent care, but drainage of the cyst only provided temporary improvement.

Erik later visited his primary care provider at his local clinic, RotaCare West Contra Costa, where his doctor determined that surgical excision would be necessary to fully address the problem. However, due to being uninsured, accessing specialized care presented a barrier.  He was referred to our program, and we matched him with Dr. Poornima Vanguri, a colorectal surgeon at John Muir Health. In April 2025, Dr. Vanguri performed the first excision procedure at John Muir Medical Center in Concord. The recovery process required close monitoring and specific follow-up care. When the incision site took longer to close and a recurring bump appeared, Dr. Vanguri and her team remained committed to his long-term health. They performed a second procedure in December 2025 to ensure the issue was permanently resolved.

Erik attended multiple follow-up appointments and followed medical recommendations, including specialized skin care to prevent the cyst from recurring. Erik described the experience with the medical staff as a partnership defined by respect. He felt heard during every visit and appreciated the attentive coordination provided by his case manager, Marilyn, who ensured that language barriers did not stand in the way of his care.

Today, Erik has reached a full recovery and no longer experiences pain or discomfort. With his health restored, he has returned to work and his normal routine. He views the support he received as a vital resource that allowed him to regain his physical well-being and continue moving forward. Erik expressed deep gratitude for the kindness of the entire team, noting that their dedication to patient care made a meaningful difference in his life.

“Thank you so much [to] the medical team and staff. They were excellent people,” Erik shared.

Story and photo shared with the patient’s permission. Patient’s name was changed.