Tuesday – 9/22/2015

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” – Edward Everett Hale

Well, it wasn’t quite the 1972 Republican National Convention, but last Wednesday I had somewhat of my own Ron Kovic moment, when I had the opportunity to testify in front of the Ohio House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Efficiencies.

I was in attendance to exercise my right to be heard on an issue I am extremely passionate about. The issue at hand: to challenge the claim that Medicaid has successfully implemented a new program to manage care and protect individuals in the home and in community-based services. Additionally, Medicaid has stated that it will no longer directly reimburse independent providers next year.

This is something that would significantly impact me, since all of the nurses and aides who work for me are independent providers. Needless to say, I was excited to speak.

After my testimony, I was approached by several people thanking me and letting me know just how much of an impact they believe my words had on the committee. An e-mail from the office of the Committee Chair, Rep. Stephen Huffman (R-District 80), stated that my testimony was “quite eye-opening and something the legislature will have to look at more closely.”

My testimony was especially timely, since one of the committee members, Rep. Mark Romanchuck (R-District 2) has introduced legislation to create an advisory group to expand and improve the self-direction of services by consumers. It is critical that others in the House support this.

This isn’t just a bill that affects anyone living with a disability, but it also impacts the entire aging population. Consider getting involved and please e-mail your Representative and urge them to pass Rep. Romanchuck’s legislation which would give more control to individual consumers when it comes to directing one’s own self-care. [Find your local Rep. contact info here.]

As exciting as spending the afternoon with politicians might sound, it pales in comparison to the opportunities I have to speak to others about overcoming adversity and persevering through difficult times. Last week began with a talk to the students at the Miami-Jacobs Career Center, and it ended with a talk to the seminarians at Borromeo Seminary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is always extremely humbling for me to meet and talk with others. I make it a point to be as transparent and honest as possible when I speak. You never know in what way your message might impact someone. I am constantly humbled by the correspondence I receive from those I’ve met. I draw so much strength from seeing how helping someone can improve his or her life.

Speaking of improving the lives of others, MetroHealth Hospital recently hosted its annual Spinal Cord Injury Forum. This year’s keynote speaker was, Tyson Gentry, an individual who broke his neck while playing football for The Ohio State University.

Shortly after I was injured, Tyson called me while I was in the hospital to offer some encouragement and stressed the fact that things would get better. We’ve continued to stay in touch over the past several years, even though he has moved down to the Sunshine state.

Tyson has created the New Perspective Foundation which helps individuals hospitalized with a spinal cord injury by assisting their family and friends with travel expenses so they can be with someone during his or her time of need. It’s a great resource to keep in mind should you be made aware of someone in such a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Back Up continues to assist others with adaptable products and exercise-based therapy programs. Over the past few weeks we have helped five more individuals improve their quality of life. Don’t forget that September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. You can make an immediate difference in someone’s life by making a donation to the cause! A huge thanks to those who have already supported the organization!

In closing, I would ask that as you close your eyes tonight you say a special prayer for my friends Mike and Traci Otterman whose beautiful two-year-old daughter, Simone, recently lost her battle with cancer.

Stand Strong!

Scott