Faith Coleman had no health insurance when she learned she had cancer, but she describes her battle with the illness as "one of the absolute greatest blessings" of her life and "Having kidney cancer was one of the best things that ever happened to me ... because I can truly empathize with patients". That compassion inspired Coleman to open a free clinic in her Florida community to help other uninsured people in need of medical care.

In July 2003, Coleman, a nurse practitioner, learned she had a malignant tumor growing on her right kidney. But as a contract worker for several doctors, she did not receive health insurance. Coleman's treatment totaled about $35,000, and she was forced to take out a mortgage on her house to help pay for it. Realizing that her financial and health woes were not unique, Coleman became determined to help those in similar situations access medical treatment. "I have been given another chance, and I felt that it was important for me to make a difference and to help other people," she said.

So after her recovery in 2004, Coleman approached Dr. John Canakaris. The local physician with 60 years of experience had been treating the indigent population for years. Canakaris was eager to reach more patients in need. The two worked together to establish the Flagler County Free Clinic in Bunnell, Florida, which provides medical care for the uninsured. The clinic opened its doors in February 2005, with eight volunteers treating eight patients during the weekend. Since then, it has expanded to 120 volunteers who see about 80 patients every other weekend. So far, the clinic has treated more than 7,000 cancer patients.