Living Her Healthiest Life Yet: Annette’s Story

Annette Kitterman is living proof that it’s never too late to take charge of your health. A home health care provider by day, she spends her weekends paddle boarding and her weekdays boxing, strength training, and anything that keeps her challenged and motivated. “I have that kind of personality where I have to keep things fun,” she says. “My diabetes is under control, and I just feel really good at this time in my life.”

But this version of Annette is the result of years of hard work and intentional change. After losing her health insurance, she found herself without a way to access care. That’s when a friend told her about LVIM.

Since becoming a patient nearly three years ago, Annette has experienced the power of compassionate care. Through regular checkups, ongoing support, and access to specialists, her care team has helped her manage arthritis, monitor her blood work, and stay on track with her health goals. Most importantly, she has gained a new understanding of what balance looks like.

“It’s an ongoing thing, but my health is not about how I look now. It’s about my insides and physically how I’m doing.”

Annette describes LVIM as a place filled with compassion, where every patient is treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances. “I feel like I need to hug and kiss everybody before I leave. I’m so thankful that they’re sitting there because I know they’re volunteers.”

Today, she says she feels stronger and more confident than ever before. “If I didn’t have Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, I wouldn’t be able to be who I am today… I honestly can say I am the best I’ve been in my entire life at 61.”

Annette’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when people come together to care. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, stories like hers are not only possible, they’re happening every day.