Though he admits he is not a rich man, Jerry Irons found a way to reach deep
into his pockets and make a donation to the Shade Tree Family Clinic in
appreciation of the care he has received there.
The free health clinic, run by Vanderbilt medical students, serves the acute and
chronic health needs of uninsured and underinsured patients in East Nashville.
Irons has attended the clinic for more than a year to treat high blood
pressure.
“I’m not well-off financially, but most are way worse off than I am. This is at
least some sort of payment for what they’ve done for me,” he said.
Irons made monetary gifts totaling $300 along with toys and clothing his
grandchildren no longer needed.
“After I saw what they do and how good they are, I just gave them all that I
could,” he said. “The clinic is outstanding. I tell everybody, even if I was a multi-millionaire,
I would pay them before anybody else.”
Irons is humble about his donation, saying, “It wouldn’t even come near paying for the medication they’ve given me,” but hopes it will help continue the outstanding care of the clinic.
“Those are top of the line people. They are donating their time and go out of
their way to do an excellent job. Most people there don’t have anything, but they treat everyone really good,” he said.
Volunteers at the clinic do not expect payment for their services, but are
appreciative of Irons’ generosity.
“Although we don’t expect anything in return for the services we provide at Shade Tree, it is
extremely touching and rewarding when someone shows their appreciation in the
way Mr. Irons has. It is especially meaningful that he felt compelled to
contribute to the clinic for the care he has received considering his limited
means to do so,” said Adam Wegner, a second-year medical student and executive director of the
clinic.
Robert Miller, M.D., assistant professor of Pulmonary Medicine and medical
director for the clinic, said most patients show their appreciation for what
the students do, “but there are a few individuals such as Mr. Irons whose appreciation is so
notable and energizes us to do even more.”
