Valerie Matula injured her back at work, and was initially referred to a neurosurgeon for care. That doctor turned her away, and she eventually ended up at Opperman’s Independence, Mo., practice. He did not charge Matula for her treatment, and she was soon on her way back to health.

“This is a man who cares about healing — he cares about people,” Matula told FOX4’s Kathy Quinn. “He takes care of people other health-care providers won’t take care of, because for him it’s about the heart.”

As part of FOX4’s “Pay It Forward” series, the station responds to viewers’ stories of kindness bestowed upon them, and helps them pay it back with a $300 stipend. In the segment, Quinn counts out $300 to Matula outside of Opperman’s office. Then, Quinn and her camera crew enter with Matula as she pays it forward with tears in her eyes.

Opperman humbly accepted the money, promising to again pay it forward. He then welcomed a warm embrace from Matula.

“I love my patients,” Opperman said. “They never cease to amaze me. They make my life fulfilling.”

Opperman’s practice is located at 14810 E. 42nd St. South, Suite 100, in Independence. To watch the FOX4 “Pay It Forward” segment featuring Opperman, click here.