I admit it -- I have visited Daily Kos and other political sites less often over the past few months as the debacle of the Affordable Care Act rollout has unfolded. It's just too discouraging, and on my worst days I wonder if all the angst of the past few years getting the flawed legislation passed and implemented even matters.
It matters. Peggy Jo Wilhelm is a wife, mom, and accomplished musician in Idaho. I knew her years ago when she lived in Maine and taught at UMaine in Orono. Peggy Jo is wrestling with a brain that bleeds, often and unpredictably. Her insurer, Blue Cross of Idaho, refuses to pay for most of her treatment even though her family has "Cadillac" insurance coverage. Her husband, Jeff Wilhelm, explains why in this video:
Peggy Jo won't go, and her young daughter Jasmine talks about how the world is a far better place because Peggy Jo is still here. It's an incredible video about a daughter's love and how her family copes with an unpredictable disease:
I needed this reminder that the health care fight isn't about websites or paperwork or petty politicians at all. It's about human decency and dignity, and that we have many more battles to fight to get everyone the basic care they need. Sometimes those of us who are blessed with good health can lose sight of that, but none of us will always be blessed with good health.
I very rarely post at Daily Kos, even though I have been inspired by the community as a lurker for many years. I hope Peggy Jo and her family energize you in this fight for health care reform. It's a long road to single payer and Medicare for all, but at least we have started moving on it with halting steps. I am humbled by the strength and resilience of the Wilhelm family. I hope their story inspires you too.
You can visit the Peggy Jo Won't Go Facebook page at this link.