Bishop Freddie Patton learned about Grace Medical Home through a friend, David Outing. After enrolling, he was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. He then suffered a stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body. He now admits that the stroke could have been avoided had he listened to his physician at the time. Thankfully, Dr. Sherry Brooks – Grace’s Medical Director – was there by his side to help him through his medical issues.
Freddie’s recovery was rapid. He walked out of the hospital only four days after being admitted. But his true journey was just beginning. Bishop Patton saw this challenging moment as an opportunity to learn and grow. He encourages others to "respect responsibilities and to act for opportunities. We should control our outcomes, not let them control us.”
Bishop Patton is the founding voice of Christ Open Door Community Church in Parramore, where his son, Pastor David Patton, now preaches. The Parramore community continues to face some of the most challenging hardships in the Orlando area – high poverty levels, crime rates, and lack of social resources like medical care. This environment only strengthens Freddie’s resolve to be a voice for Parramore and Grace Medical Home. Although Freddie is no longer a patient at Grace because he has Medicare, he continues to visit Grace and Dr. Brooks. He compares Grace to an X-Ray because we don't just look at our patients, we look through them, meaning “Grace looks at their spirit to truly understand their circumstances,” said Bishop Patton. He gives an even sweeter comparison. He expressed, “Grace is like a lollipop. The outside of the wrapper merely advertises the flavor, but when you open it, you'll discover the true sweetness. The genuine sweetness of Grace can only be unraveled through the Grace of God.”
