When Marisol found out she was pregnant at 16, she felt overwhelmed with anxiety and fear. She and her mother went to speak with a priest, hoping for guidance. He recommended Marisol Health, a ministry of Catholic Charities, that provides medical care and wraparound services for women and their families in the Archdiocese of Denver.
From the moment she heard the name, Marisol felt a quiet sense of peace. It felt like a sign from God, not only because the clinic was being recommended at exactly the moment she needed help, but also because she shared the same name. For her, Marisol, meaning sea and sun, carried a reminder of light and steady strength.
At her first appointment with Marisol Health, the staff midwives and social workers welcomed her with kindness. She never felt judged for being so young, as she worried she might at another clinic. Instead, she felt safe and supported. They reassured her that she was not alone and helped her believe she could do this.
Over time, something surprising happened. Marisol began to look forward to her appointments. That kind of excitement is uncommon for a teenage mom, but at Marisol Health she always felt cared for, respected and encouraged.
As the holidays approached, Marisol Health continued to walk with Marisol and her family in practical, tangible ways. A donor adopted her family for Christmas, providing gifts for everyone in the household, including her baby who had not yet been born. As her due date drew closer, the team encouraged her to create a baby registry, and every item on her list was generously purchased.
After Marisol gave birth, she experienced complications. The Marisol Health team checked in consistently to make sure she was healing and supported. Even now, they still call to ask how she and her family are doing. They continue to offer encouragement and remind her she can pick up necessities from their office, even though she is no longer a patient.
Marisol was guided through one of the most challenging seasons of her life and today she is the proud mother of a healthy baby boy named Gael. Marisol Health, with locations in Denver and Fort Collins and a new mobile clinic that meets women where they need it most, will always be an important part of their story. Marisol is deeply grateful for the donors whose generosity makes it possible for women like her to begin their parenting journey in a compassionate, supportive environment.
Marisol Health delivers a women’s health care, counseling and family support services, encompassing gynecological, prenatal, delivery and postpartum care. We also offer support to extended family and friends who are navigating significant healthcare decisions and life events alongside the women in their lives and provide a genuinely positive experience in an open and accepting environment. In Denver, call 720-802-4950. In Fort Collins, call 970-818-5745 or visit us online at marisolhealth.com.