09/26/2025
September is , a time to honor the strength of our patients and the programs that support them beyond the hospital.
At just 25, Matthew Pearson has endured more than most people face in a lifetime. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease before his second birthday, he grew up with chronic pain, surgeries, and long hospital stays. His condition disrupted his education, limited his childhood, and threatened his ability to hold a job. In 2023, after losing work during COVID-19 and being pushed out of his home, Matthew faced both homelessness and depression.
That is when Matthew was connected with the University of Maryland Medical Center Community Health team and met Community Health Worker Yolonda Emerson. Yolonda immediately took action. In a single day, she guided Matthew through applications for Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and Social Security support. She even walked with him to begin searching for an apartment. Within days, Matthew had the resources and stability he desperately needed.
What made the difference was not only Yolonda’s knowledge, but her presence. She stood by Matthew, reminding him that he was not alone and that his life was worth fighting for. That support gave him renewed strength to keep moving forward.
Matthew is now living in his own apartment and working toward his next goal: creating a support group for others with sickle cell disease. His story shows that this condition affects far more than physical health. It impacts housing, employment, and mental well-being. It also demonstrates the vital role that community health workers play in helping patients navigate systems and find hope.
Together, Matthew and Yolonda show us the power of compassion, persistence, and human connection in healthcare. Their story also demonstrates UMMC’s commitment to care beyond the bedside, proving that when someone refuses to give up, and someone else walks beside them, lives can truly change.
September is , a time to honor the strength of our patients and the programs that support them beyond the hospital.
At just 25, Matthew Pearson has endured more than most people face in a lifetime. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease before his second birthday, he grew up with chronic pain, surgeries, and long hospital stays. His condition disrupted his education, limited his childhood, and threatened his ability to hold a job. In 2023, after losing work during COVID-19 and being pushed out of his home, Matthew faced both homelessness and depression.
That is when Matthew was connected with the University of Maryland Medical Center Community Health team and met Community Health Worker Yolonda Emerson. Yolonda immediately took action. In a single day, she guided Matthew through applications for Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and Social Security support. She even walked with him to begin searching for an apartment. Within days, Matthew had the resources and stability he desperately needed.
What made the difference was not only Yolonda’s knowledge, but her presence. She stood by Matthew, reminding him that he was not alone and that his life was worth fighting for. That support gave him renewed strength to keep moving forward.
Matthew is now living in his own apartment and working toward his next goal: creating a support group for others with sickle cell disease. His story shows that this condition affects far more than physical health. It impacts housing, employment, and mental well-being. It also demonstrates the vital role that community health workers play in helping patients navigate systems and find hope.
Together, Matthew and Yolonda show us the power of compassion, persistence, and human connection in healthcare. Their story also demonstrates UMMC’s commitment to care beyond the bedside, proving that when someone refuses to give up, and someone else walks beside them, lives can truly change.