Genesee Health Plan and the voters of Genesee County saved this Grand Blanc grandmother’s life in more ways than one.

After 25 years of marriage, Barb Smith found herself divorced and with no health insurance. Despite being diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (a narrowing and hardening of the arteries most commonly found in the legs), she walked every day, worked part-time or was self employed, and volunteered at her grandchildren’s school and with several community organizations. She paid the occasional necessary medical expense out of pocket, but couldn’t afford ongoing coverage. 

Barb’s condition continued to deteriorate, however, and in 2005 her health went rapidly downhill. She couldn’t sleep at night or walk more than 15 feet because of her disabling pain. Standing to cook or using the stairs was impossible. She needed a wheelchair most of the time to get around. 

“I was a vibrant, active person,” she said. “Then all of a sudden, I lost my life. I couldn’t go to my grandkids’ school events, volunteer or get around at work. It was very defeating.”

Barb enrolled in Genesee Health Plan and chose Dr. Mark Trudell as her primary care provider. Dr. Trudell referred her right away to specialist Dr. Brad Sweda at Genesys. Her carotid artery was 95% blocked and she was near a stroke. She had two surgeries followed by physical therapy.

Barb is now out walking the nature trails on a regular basis, gardening with her grandchildren, volunteering at their school, and working part-time at St. Jude’s Church in Fenton. 

“I want to thank Genesee Health Plan and all the people who voted for the millage,” she said. “They may not know me, but they saved my life.”