Theater was Sheila Yates’ first love. Although she changed her college major to more practical pursuits, she kept her toes in the theater waters by writing and performing in one-woman shows. When chronic illnesses took over her life, pain silenced her stories. With medical and emotional support from Housecall Providers, Sheila found her way back to a new stage.

Storytelling was in Sheila's blood, a trait she inherited from her father, also a gifted storyteller who worked in theater. Growing up in and around theater, Sheila spent her first years of college as a theater major. Even though she eventually shifted to business (and ultimately a Masters in Public Health) for practical reasons, she kept theater as a side passion. However, as her health declined, it became harder to participate in auditions and rehearsals. Multiple chronic illnesses plagued her, but pain was the most debilitating. Sheila found herself bedridden, struggling with depression severe enough to contemplate giving up.

A sign that someone cared

Sheila has no hesitation telling people that discovering Housecall Providers changed her life. To Sheila, the support felt like having a compassionate caregiver arrive at her home, reminiscent of the classic 1970s TV show, "Marcus Welby, M.D.," featuring Dr. Welby with his black bag. Having Housecall Providers show up at her house was a reassuring sign that someone genuinely cared. Housecall Providers’ team addressed her mental and physical health, and for the first time in a long while, Sheila felt “bolstered.” This renewed emotional stability allowed her to manage her physical limitations better. The shift helped her see beyond her pain, enabling her to consider the possibilities around her. She says, “I went from thinking about what I can’t do to looking at what I can do.”

Getting back in the world

Sheila’s interest in storytelling was rekindled when she started listening to The Moth Radio Hour, a program featuring live storytelling. The idea of sharing a true story intrigued her. “I thought, okay, I can do that. It’s a true story you write yourself. I can stand up for five minutes and tell a story,” she recalled. Soon, she decided to try her hand at it. When her name was called at an event, Sheila was ready. The experience was exhilarating; she received a high score and felt the thrill of being “back in the world.”

Sheila continued crafting stories for The Moth whenever the theme resonated with her. With each performance, her confidence grew. Her efforts paid off when she won the local Moth competition with the highest score, advancing to perform at the Aladdin Theater in Southeast Portland. Despite the initial fear of speaking before an audience of 500, her theater background kicked in, and the positive feedback helped her discover and open doors to new pursuits.

Feeling supported and valued

Housecall Providers remains an integral part of Sheila’s care. With her background in public health, she appreciates the accessibility and connectedness that home-based care offers. It felt rare in modern medical systems to have such ease of communication. Whether it's a call to her care coordinator Kim Vsetecka, or an update from her primary care provider Audrey Lundin, Sheila feels supported and valued. “One thing I like is that you actually have access. You can reach someone if you call them up. Medical care is so estranged now, it’s hard to get a connection,” she said. “When I needed help, I got it.”

Now, Sheila continues to draw inspiration from her life experiences, such as the years she spent in Europe, and remains active in storytelling. She credits Housecall Providers for bringing her back into a happy life. Reflecting on her journey, Sheila acknowledges the stark contrast from her past struggles: “Step by step, Housecall Providers led me to being a much more functional person. I was scared for me back then, but I’m not now.”

Learn more about Housecall Providers in-home primary care program