People have been asking us this since 2014 when our second daughter, Lorelei, was born with Down syndrome. Immediately after she was delivered, she was whisked away to our Children’s Hospital for surgery to repair a blocked intestine and she spent her first weeks of life in the NICU. In her first two years, Lorelei had more scary medical diagnoses, needed additional surgeries, hospital stays, and therapies. Though the bills were high ($120,000 for one stay!), we had good insurance and were covered. We were okay, so while I appreciated the many kind offers, I didn’t reach out for help.

In the spring of 2016 things were going pretty well for us, until I started to lose weight without trying and had several bouts of gastroenteritis. My doctor ordered an ultrasound, and in June of 2016 I was diagnosed with renal cancer.

My left kidney was removed, and though the recovery was rough, I was lucky that no chemo or radiation were necessary. Once again, kind offers of help poured in.

“If there is anything you need, please let us know.”

We had out of pocket expenses, but didn’t have to risk losing our home to pay for the surgery. I worried about leaving my children without a mother, but I got the life-saving medical care I needed. When I didn’t feel well, I could see the doctor and take necessary medication without worrying about the cost. We had good insurance and I could take care of myself; so while I appreciated the kind offers, I didn’t reach out for help.

In winter of 2017 we discovered that Lorelei had life-threatening third degree heart block and needed a pacemaker. As Lorelei faced heart surgery and our family again faced a “new normal,” more kind offers of help poured in.  

“If there is anything you need, please let us know.”

But Lorelei survived, and thanks to our insurance we didn’t worry about the cost of heart surgery or the hospital stay, we focused on her. She was going to be okay. So while I appreciated the kind offers, I didn’t reach out for help.

In winter of 2018, Lorelei developed a cough that would not subside. Her doctor sent us to the ER and she was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with RSV. We celebrated her 4th birthday with nurses and doctors at her bedside. Fortunately, Lorelei recovered pretty quickly and we were able to go home in a few days. Until, two weeks later, she was back in the hospital with pneumonia. Again, our friends and family stood by us.

“If there is anything you need, please let us know.”

I no longer sleep well during cold and flu season (which in Ohio lasts from September to May), and this year I was diagnosed with a rare and incurable neurological disorder called Cervical Dystonia, which causes excruciating neck pain (and is exacerbated by stress). But, when Lorelei has a cough for more than a few days, she can go to the doctor. She can also see the other specialists, and get the therapy, hearing aids, and additional surgeries she needs. I can also get treatment for my pain and monitor my cancer, so I’m able to continue caring for my family and working full-time.

Woven in between all the frightening diagnoses and unexpected hospitalizations are moments of joy, fun, and laughter. We are blessed with an abundance of love and fortune. Lorelei and I have both been saved by medical science, wonderful doctors, and access to affordable and necessary health care coverage. We have bills, but for now, we can afford to pay them. We have been able to focus on our family and haven’t needed to ask for help.

Until now. The Affordable Care Act, which protects people with pre-existing conditions – like myself and Lorelei – from being denied or charged more for coverage, or even completely cut from care by a lifetime max, is under threat by the party in power. Programs like Medicaid and Medicare are targeted for drastic cuts. If we don’t do something, in the very near future, I could lose the ability to care for myself and my family.

I am letting you know I need your help.

I need you to vote for lawmakers who will ensure ALL people have affordable and appropriate health care coverage. Our story is not an exception; we’re all one accident or illness away from needing health care. While illness may not affect you today, it surely affects someone you love. It affects people I love.

I need you to vote because our lives depend on it.