What would you say?

A couple weeks ago, I had a phone interview with someone from the Children's Defense Fund regarding our insurance woes. You can follow that link for handy little factoids, such as MY state has the highest rate of uninsured kiddos in the nation! Go Texas!

This was the only conversation I've had with anyone about this situation that gave me any hope at all. It was a quick phone call, mainly exchanging of information, but it was the first phone call that didn't end in some variation of "I'm sorry, there is nothing more you can do". It was the first phone call that left me with the smallest glimmer of hope.

She said that their outreach teams would be contacting various insurance agencies in our state, sharing our story with them, and trying to get somewhere. They will also be contacting legislators to that same end. At the end of our conversation, she asked if I would be willing to share our story with a larger audience, allow them to share it with the media, especially as they push for changes to be made to the current system. I said yes.

Tomorrow someone is coming to our house to interview me and take photographs for the story. This is a whole new world for me. I've never been THIS person. I've always been the person who politely declines and is much happier to stay silently in the background. But that KayTar, she got to me, and for her I'll shout it from the rooftops. But it isn't only that. I live in the state with the highest rate of uninsured children in this nation, and not all of those parents have the opportunity or voice to speak out. If I do have that ability, I have to take it...not just for KayTar, but for all the children like her, and all the families like ours. It's time for a change.

The interviewer sent me questions to ponder in the meantime and I'd like to leave you with one. What would YOU tell lawmakers about the need for SCHIP and Medicaid? I know my answer already, but I'd love to hear yours as well.

Cross posted at MOMocrats.

And don't forget to visit my photo blog for my Best Shot Monday!

And so it continues...

Thanks for your support yesterday. The Momocrats are continuing the healthcare discussion today and leaving our story at the top, so if you didn't get a chance to stop by yesterday, please do today. Also, below our story, there are many great posts on healthcare, take a few minutes and weigh in. This issue could not be more important to the 'Tars.

Also, we've been linked to at the Health Care Blog if you wouldn't mind following us over that way, again, I would be so appreciative.

And Canadians, if you'd like to weigh in, please do. One of the go-to arguments against universal care is the horror stories of year long (and longer) waits for doctor's visits and treatments. Stories about all the Canadians that migrate to America in search of our glorious healthcare. I know your system is not perfect and there are waits involved at times, but I do know that it is better than what we are experiencing here. It is helpful to hear that those of you with healthcare for all prefer it to the what is available to us in the States. That even with its flaws, you'd choose it again if given the opportunity.

This whole thing is kind of mind boggling, but if there is one thing I've learned this week, it is "Do not underestimate the power of the Blogosphere." Especially our little corner of it. I've never know so many supportive and amazing women. Thank you, thank you, for helping us out.

And hey for those of you who just check in for the cute kids...LOOK! CUTE KIDS! (I don't know what's up with BubTar's face, but I think it is a condition that comes with being 5.)



Bear with us, there might be more of this healthcare speak on the way...but it is so important and we're riding this wave as long as we can, not just for the little 'Tars, but for all the children that need these changes just as much as we do.

A change of scenery...

Please, follow these sweet little feet as they march over to Momocrats today. We're talking about--wait for it--INSURANCE. Surprising, I know. But until our words reach the right people, we can't stop speaking them.

jen, friend, thanks again for this opportunity.


My kids thank you, too.