I think Ghandi might have been onto something

Momocrats guest poster Kyla is back with an update to her previous health care struggles post. We couldn't be happier to hear that folks are finally starting to pay attention! Politics are personal and our kids lives are in the balance.

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Ghandi

Would you like to hear something that is equal parts terror and excitement?

I've been asked to speak at a press conference at our State Capitol on the 29th.

And I said YES.

I'm terrified of public speaking, just thinking about it makes my stomach drop outside of my body and starts the room spinning. So why am I doing this?

"You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result"
-Mahatma Ghandi

Because I can. Because I should. Because I want to.

We aren't the only family in this situation. We aren't the only family who has fallen through the cracks, not the only family that sits right above the SCHIP income level with no other options, not the only family who has been denied coverage because of the bottom line. This terrible thing that has happened to our family is, unfortunately, not unique to us. Out of the 1.5 million uninsured children in our state alone, 487,000 of these children are above the SCHIP income guideline.

Do you know how much it costs our state to insure a child?

$40 per month.

Do you know the average cost for private family insurance in our state?

$900 per month. And in many cases, that $900 insurance does not even provide comprehensive coverage.

Is there something wrong with this?

Yes, of course there is.

Sadly, this situation is not unique to us, this specific problem affects 487,000 people in our state; however, the opportunity I have to bring attention to it is unique to us, to me, and it has the ability to affect change not only for our family, but for the 487,000 just like us. I have a story and a voice and an opportunity to use that voice, and I can't pass that up. I won't pass that up.

"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems" -Mahatma Ghandi
It's time to be the change.

Comments

[Lauren]

That's awesome, Kyla. Just take your time and breathe, you'll be GREAT!

[cynematic]

Go Kyla! Your are never so powerful as when you speak your truth! We're with you all the way.

[jaelithe]

You go, girl. Stick it to the man on behalf of yourself, all the uninsured kids in your state, and all the great kids out there who are working to overcome developmental disorders, like your daughter and my son.

[debbie]

I'm so proud of you it makes me ache.

Your family is lucky to have you - and all those other families are lucky to have you representing them.

I hate public speaking, too, and I understand your fear, but (this is such a good quote): "speak up, even if your voice trembles." (I think that's it.) Which is to say, at least from my perspective, that the validity of your words will bolster you, and you will have the sympathy of the entire audience. Try to remember that. That whole room will be nodding in validation and support.

All of that aside, I think you're very brave.