From Setback to Success: One Patient’s Inspiring Health Journey at St. Anthony’s

October 22, 2024

Lisa Pelletier-Ross grew up in the calm suburbs of Santa Clara County, married young, and raised her son, Christopher. After two marriages and a move to San Francisco in 2009 with her current partner, Lisa hoped for a fresh start, but was unprepared for the city’s challenges.

“When we got to San Francisco, it was a culture shock,” she recalls. Homelessness, open drug use, and the harsh realities of the Tenderloin were unsettling. She found work as a shift lead on the safety team at Glide, a local nonprofit. Lisa loved her job, but the stress of managing clients in crisis took a toll. 

By 2021, Lisa’s health was declining. She struggled with alcoholism, which resurfaced when her second marriage ended, and she began drinking heavily. “I quit drinking for 13 years, but when my husband and I split, I started again,” she says.  At one point, she was drinking three fifths of liquor a day. This relapse worsened her high blood pressure and eventually caused severe swelling in her legs. She also lost her job and health insurance, which led her into a downward spiral. 

UCSF nurses visiting her building urged her to seek medical care. “They told me I needed to get to a doctor now before I had a stroke or heart attack,” Lisa says. They referred her to St. Anthony’s Medical Clinic, which became her lifeline. 

Arriving in early 2024, Lisa was nearly 70 pounds overweight and in poor health. At St. Anthony’s Medical Clinic, she received the care she needed.

“I knew I had to make myself better, and St. Anthony’s helped me do that.”

Lisa quit drinking and, with the guidance of Dr. Corner and nutritionist Jaime, she changed her diet, joined weekly walks, and lost nearly 50 pounds. “I can walk faster now, and I don’t have to stop twice just to make it up a hill,” she says proudly. Lisa’s health drastically improved, and she feels better than she has in years.  

Beyond medical care, Lisa found a sense of belonging and acceptance at St. Anthony’s. “I feel comfortable here,” she says. “The staff is so friendly, and they make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in.” For someone like Lisa, who has trust issues, this sense of safety and care is transformative. Now, she is considering how she can give back to the community that helped her. She’s already submitted her resume for a position on St. Anthony’s Guest Services team. “I think my skills would be beneficial here,” she says, referring to her background in crisis prevention and harm reduction. 

Looking ahead, Lisa’s attitude is optimistic. She’s proud of the progress she’s made and is eager to continue improving her health and helping others. With St. Anthony’s by her side, Lisa found not only a path to healing but also a renewed sense of hope. 

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