Your Story Can Make a Difference in the fight for Care
We believe in the power of stories to transform lives and influence change. Your personal experiences can resonate with others, bridging gaps and building understanding across diverse communities. Your story can make a significant impact on policies and advocacy efforts towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
We are looking for stories illustrating the impact of cuts to Medicaid and SNAP featuring these topics and more:
Home and community-based services and supports, such as Private Duty Nursing and Personal Care Assistance programs
Wrongful termination of your benefits
Independent living at home or in the community
Transition to long-term care nursing facility
Access to essential medications, providers, and speciality treatment
SNAP programs for children and families such as HeadStart, school meals, afterschool snack program, and Good Food Bucks
SNAP access to food pantries and nutrition programs
To share your story, please complete the consent form below.
Your Story Matters
Please take a moment to complete our Story Bank submission form. You may upload a picture of yourself or share a video recording of your story. By doing so, you will be giving Garden State Coalition For Care permission to use the content provided including your image, video recording, written or spoken words, and name, as part of your story. GSCC may contact you to gather more information.
If you would like to speak to someone to explain anything on this form or modify permissions such as your name, please send an email, here. A story example can be found below and on each page of the site.
Submission of your story is voluntary.
“Leandra Delgado is a true fighter, a young woman who has faced immense challenges from an early age, and with the help of Medicaid, has found the strength to survive and thrive.
Born in 2004, Leandra was just 18 months old when she was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease, a rare and aggressive condition that attacks her muscles. The disease is progressive, and as time passed, it affected her entire body. But even as the disease progressed, Leandra’s determination never wavered.
From the very beginning, Medicaid played a crucial role in her life. As a beneficiary since 2004, Leandra has been able to access vital healthcare services and medical equipment that she could never have afforded otherwise. Over the years, Leandra has undergone 19 surgeries, including a tracheostomy to help her breathe and cochlear implants to assist with her deafness. These procedures were not only necessary for her survival, but they also allowed her to lead as normal a life as possible given her condition.
In addition to these surgeries, Leandra has received continuous therapy through early intervention programs, which helped her develop skills and overcome some of the challenges posed by her condition. As she transitioned into adulthood, she continued to rely on Medicaid for physical therapy, speech therapy, and the medical supervision she needs on a daily basis. At present, Leandra is approved for 20 hours of nursing care each week, which ensures she has the support she needs to manage her health and daily activities.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Leandra is a survivor. Each day, she fights to live, facing the ongoing struggle of a disease that attacks her own body. But with Medicaid by her side, Leandra has been able to survive and make progress. The machines that sustain her life—five in total—are all supported by Medicaid, as they are essential to her survival. Without this critical support, Leandra’s life would be at risk.
As a mother, I am incredibly grateful for the support Medicaid has provided to my daughter, but I also know the harsh reality. If Medicaid were ever cut, my daughter would simply not survive. The thought of losing this vital lifeline is terrifying, not just for me but for so many families who rely on Medicaid to keep their loved ones alive.
Leandra continues to fight every day, and with Medicaid’s support, she has a fighting chance. She is proof that, with the right care and resources, even the most challenging medical conditions can be faced with strength and courage.
Leandra’s story is one of resilience and determination, and it highlights just how important Medicaid is for people with disabilities. Without it, many would not have the chance to fight for their lives.”
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