Whole-person care helps patient reclaim hope after financial scam

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — For Kathleen Kornaker, the greatest benefit was relief from financial fear, emotional strain and the sense that she was running out of options.

What began as financial stress quickly spiraled into something far more overwhelming.

“I was drowning,” Kornaker recalled. “The walls were closing in. I thought, ‘I’m never getting out of this.’”

At the time, Kornaker — now 72 — was already struggling to manage mounting expenses while living alone. She spent months calling utility companies and trying to reduce bills, but the pressure continued to build. Seeking relief, she answered what appeared to be a legitimate call from her bank about a compromised credit card.

Instead, she became the victim of an elaborate debt consolidation scam.

The company promised to negotiate with creditors and eliminate her debt through manageable monthly payments. But after paying thousands of dollars in fees, Kornaker learned the company had never contacted her creditors at all.

“They told me they could fix everything,” she said. “It sounded too good to be true — and it was.”

By the time the Federal Trade Commission filed an injunction to halt their services. for allegedly targeting older adults, Kornaker’s debt had ballooned from approximately $36,000 to nearly $65,000 due to added fees, missed payments and penalties.

Terrified and emotionally exhausted, she turned to someone she trusted: Rosalyn, the social worker at her AdventHealth Well 65+ clinic.

“Well, that was then, and I was trying so hard to work on my finances,” Kornaker said. “Ms. Rosalyn was wonderful for me to talk to, to vent.”

AdventHealth Well 65+ clinics provide specialized primary care for seniors through a whole-person health approach that addresses physical, emotional and social well-being. Social workers play a critical role in helping patients navigate challenges that often extend far beyond medical care.

When Kornaker explained what had happened, Rosalyn immediately connected her with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County Bar Association.

“’Kathy, I want you to call somebody,’” Kornaker remembered her saying. “’Call Legal Aid.’”

That recommendation changed everything.

Through Legal Aid, Kornaker qualified for assistance and began the process of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. She completed financial responsibility courses, worked closely with attorneys and slowly began rebuilding stability in her life.

Then in late April 2026, her bankruptcy was officially discharged.

“I can breathe,” Kornaker said. “I can sleep now. I’m not crying anymore.”

More importantly, she said the experience taught her valuable lessons about finances, mental health and the importance of asking for help.

“The courses were very beneficial,” she said. “I learned if I can’t afford it, I don’t need it.”

Kornaker credits Rosalyn not only for practical guidance, but also for the emotional support that carried her through one of the darkest seasons of her life.

Today, Kornaker says she is passionate about encouraging others — especially older adults — to seek support when life feels overwhelming.

“I really believe if something is bothering you, talk to somebody,” she said. “I’m a big believer in mental health.”

For AdventHealth Well 65+ teams, stories like Kornaker’s reflect the mission behind whole-person care: meeting patients where they are, caring for more than just medical needs, and helping restore hope in life’s most difficult moments.

Learn more about AdventHealth Well 65+.