said Coleman , a mother of six . Realizing that her financial and health woes were not unique , Coleman -- now in remission -- became determined to help those in similar situations access medical treatment . `` I have been given another chance , and I felt that it was important for me to make a difference and to help other people , '' she said . So after her recovery in 2004 , Coleman approached Dr. John Canakaris . The local physician with 60 years of experience had been treating the indigent population for years . Canakaris was eager to reach more patients in need . The two worked together to establish the Flagler County Free Clinic in Bunnell , Florida , which provides medical care for the uninsured . It has treated more than 6,700 patients . The clinic opened its doors in February 2005 , with eight volunteers treating eight patients . Since then , it has expanded to 120 volunteers who see about 80 patients every other weekend . Coleman said she 's seen an increase in the number of patients at the clinic , which serves people who meet federal poverty guidelines . ``
BUNNELL , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Faith Coleman had no health insurance when she learned she had cancer , but she describes her battle with the illness as `` one of the absolute greatest blessings '' of her life . Faith Coleman 's ordeal as an uninsured cancer patient drove her to help others without health insurance . `` Having kidney cancer was one of the best things that ever happened to me ... because I can truly empathize with patients , '' said Coleman , 54 . That compassion inspired Coleman to open a free clinic in her Florida community to help other uninsured people in need of medical care . In July 2003 , Coleman , a nurse practitioner , learned she had a malignant tumor growing on her right kidney . But as a contract worker for several doctors , she did not receive health insurance . Coleman 's treatment totaled about $ 35,000 , and she was forced to take out a mortgage on her house to help pay for it . `` I -LSB- fell -RSB- through the crack ... and I -LSB- had -RSB- a great job and a good education , ''