Jim and Nancy Patterson
Our Personal Journey with DDC Clinic
Being asked to write this for DDC Clinic brought a time of remembering how those beginning steps led to what has become an internationally recognized medical clinic.
We remember the humble but thoughtful drive of a few remarkable people to acquaint a broader community with a need that few had recognized; the dream of what could be accomplished; and the commitment to create what eventually became a source of hope for Geauga County Amish and others throughout the world with rare genetic conditions.
We remember visits with community leaders, UH Geauga Medical Center administrators, Metzenbaum personnel, and established hospital research experts. In those meetings, the enthusiasm and hopeful dreams of a few dedicated leaders brought a spark of interest from the community.
Enough interest that those leaders became energized to begin a concerted effort to develop a plan, build a relationship with Pennsylvania Amish community leader Dr. Holmes Morton, and put together a team to bring to fruition the idea of how this clinic could become a reality for families looking for answers. Answers to the challenges their children faced, born with unknown conditions which led to physical impairment and, for many, life long challenges or premature death.
The quiet enthusiasm caught on, and soon a small house – the clinic’s first location – became a place of hope for many. Then along came Dr. Heng Wang who spent hours upon hours visiting families and bringing a light into their homes – the light of hope. We watched him grow this medical miracle, built on authenticated research, to a respected level of recognition among the medical world.
With awe and respect we watched the clinic’s team of researchers and doctors build a reputation that required growth in physical space and staffing. We watched as the stream of families grew and their children experienced improved health and abilities. And that included one of our own grandchildren whose life has been remarkably turned around because of Dr. Wang.
We share our story because we believe this is an incredible story of faith, resilience and having the right persons in the right place at the right time. Only in Geauga County!
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