Humans of Clarkston - Jiyan Mukri

This October, we recognize our patients and those in the community who have bravely fought breast cancer.  Cancer doesn't just happen to those with health insurance, but impacts those without it in equal measure-- and sometimes with worse outcomes because it is not caught in time. 

Through Mosaic Health Center's primary and preventive care and partnerships, we are able to provide uninsured patients access to free mammograms.  In some cases, where cancer is present, we're able to help them access the treatment and support they need.

In Georgia today there are 1.2M without health insurance – the 2nd highest rate in the nation.  And with the recent passage of H.R. 1, current estimates suggest that an additional 750,000 people will lose their health insurance in the years ahead in our state.  We must make sure these individuals have access to critical healthcare like mammograms.

Each one of these individuals has a story to tell, and this series – Humans of Clarkston – presents real stories of our patients.  Today's story is that of a women who has fought breast cancer. 

If you want to help more women in our community like her access mammograms and treatment, please donate today.  We cannot do this without your support.

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What is your name?  Jiyan Mukri (name has been changed for the purpose of this story to keep the patient anonymous).

 What is your story?  I’m Kurdish, from Iraq.  Now, I live in Loganville.  Before in 1988, the regime put chemical gasses in my state and killed 7,000 people.  We went to Iran, and then went to Pakistan.  We lived there for 15 years, and after that the UN moved us to Atlanta. I’ve been gone 38 years, and only saw my family twice.

How did you find out about MHC?  I have diabetes and thyroid issues.  I’ve been seeing doctors, but one day I have no insurance.  I asked my friend if she knew of anything, and she said, “Why don’t you go to MHC?” 

When I came, I saw Dr. Harjee.  She said, “You need to go take a mammogram.”  I just wanted my medication for thyroid and diabetes.  She pushed me— she said, “You have to go.  It's been a long time.”  The results came and they say, “We see something in your test.  We need you to do another test.”

They give me another mammogram.  And they saw something, so we did an ultrasound and an MRI.  They told me they found cancer— it’s new and that we need to take care of it.  I was so sad, but Dr. Harjee said, “No worry, I had the same problem, and we can take care of it.”

I have no one here.  And, I have a younger son.  I was so worried because my family abandoned us when he was 7-years-old, and now he is 19.  I am so worried for him and want to tell him to handle life, how to pay bills.  I was so sad, I was crying.  He said, “Please Mom, stop worrying.  You’re gonna be fine.  Don’t worry about me— you worry about you.”

When I think about this, it’s very hard.  Thank God nothing has happen like that.  I had a chance and they took out all the cancer. 

What has MHC meant to you?  My life, Dr. Harjee gave it back to me.  I was just going to take the medication— and if she had not told me, I would haven’t had the mammogram.  She saved my life literally.  I don’t know how to appreciate them.  I’m happy with these people, and I want to go back to these people.

I have one cancer medication I have to take for 5 years.  Now, I have three medications important for life.  MHC has been helpful— you usually go to the other doctor you have to pay $100 and medication is more and you have to pay for every test.  And at MHC, all the medications are free and my returning visits are $30.  That is nothing for all the tests to save the life really.  I’m so thankful for that.