Navy vet needs life-saving medicine

Peggy is one of the kindest, most compassionate people I know. We met while working with people with developmental disabilities. I instantly liked Peggy because she treated all of our clients and staff with respect, patience and dignity. She stood out in a field with high rates of turnover and abuse. Clients calmed down in her presence because she was empathetic and reliable. They always honored her on Veterans day, proud of her decade of service in the Navy. 

It was heartbreaking for all of us when out of nowhere, Peggy suffered a stroke. Her family, friends, clients and collegues were shoked. It hurts extra because there was a sense of injustice. Peggy deserves all good things life has to offer and here she was, struggling to make her arm obey her. When someone is known for their kindness it is unbearable to watch them suffer. 

But Peggy didn't complain. She processed, bravely reached out, stayed as optimistic and determined as she dared, and got the medical care she needed and deserved. It was a frustrating, uphill battle, but Peggy fought on, as she always has. As she does every day. 

This week, Peggy got the devastating, life-threatening news that she is losing her Medicaid benefits on August 31st. With an annual income of $16,320, she makes too much money to qualify after the state of Wyoming changed their guidelines.  Her annual medication costs are three times her annual salary. 

After this news, it is hard for Peggy to stay positives. Without her medications, she is likely to suffer a deadly stroke. It feels like a death sentence. She then found out that her last hope, Medicare, is not available to her for another year. 

All of this is so wrong. Peggy is the kind of person who makes the world a better place, just by being in it. She is the kind of person who reaches out when you're struggling. The kind of person who will lift you up for no reason other than to make your day. She deserves so much better than the suffering she is currently enduring. We need more people like Peggy in the world. 

So let's make sure she gets the care she needs to grace us with her presence for a long time to come.