Hanford gets a winner in Adventist Health's Doctors' Day letter writing contest

A random drawing was held for a chance to win an Apple Watch or Fitbit Ionic. Two winners were selected: one from the Southern Fresno County area and one from the Kings and Tulare counties area.

Arevalo was the winner in the Kings and Tulare counties area. She wrote a letter about her care with Dr. Gerald Rogado, who cares for patients at Adventist Health Physicians Network in Hanford. Arevalo chose Dr. Rogado as her provider because she knew him growing up. The two attended the sixth grade and Hanford High School together.

The following is Arevalo’s narrative:

“During the summer of 2017, I was diagnosed with hypertension. I wasn’t monitoring my blood pressure like I should have, nor was I consistent with taking my medication. In October 2017, my father passed suddenly from a heart attack. Devastated and scared, I went to see Dr. Rogado to get my health on track. My blood pressure was high, and it was then that I was also diagnosed with diabetes. It was an extremely stressful time. He and his nurse sat with me as I cried. They comforted me and listened. Dr. Rogado was caring, yet straightforward. I needed to take better care of myself. Today, I am 25 pounds lighter, my blood pressure is within the normal range, and my diabetes is better controlled. He has even called to check on me. I appreciate all that Dr. Rogado has done to help me feel healthy again.”

Arevalo chose the Apple Watch as her prize.