I shared with her several statistics that were utterly shocking to her. The first, and most importantly, that Congenital Heart Defects occur in one out of every 100 live births. Take that stat for whatever it means to you, but for Obama 2012, it means that 1 in 100 babies are born with a pre-existing condition... and a pricey one at that!
After phone calls back and forth and some logistical planning, two members from Obama's team flew to Phoenix and spent a few days with us. We shared our journey with Congenital Heart Defects, the enormous relief we felt knowing that the Affordable Care Act was signed just a few months before Zoe's birth and truly became friends with both Obama's producer and photographer.
Yes, I voted for Obama in 2008, and will again in November, but my purpose in filming our family's story was not politically motivated. We agreed to film our story because we whole-heartedly believe (and know) that the Affordable Care Act will not only save Zoe's life, but the lives of thousands of children around the country with similar heart defects. Our country desperately needs healthcare reform. The misconceptions about the Act and who it helps and doesn't help has been a source of anxiety and frustration for me for two years now. Quite simply put, if you're an American citizen, it will benefit you!
If you don't believe me, visit this 'calculator' and see for yourself! http://www.barackobama.com/health-care?source=20120311-HP
Heck, I consider myself fairly well-versed on the Affordable Care Act and even I learned something new. "By 2014, all insurance plans will cover maternity benefits—and your insurance company won't be able to charge you more than a man for the same policy."
Thank you Obama 2012 for allowing Zoe's voice to be heard throughout America.
If you've yet to see the video, you can view it here:
The girls enjoyed the experience just as much as Caleb and I. I, of course, had to document the filming, since it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
And, one last picture that is important to share...
Get out and vote Obama in November - if not for yourself, do it for Zoe and her fellow heart warriors! We need a President in office that understands the importance of caring for our children, our parents, our selves and our fellow American.
I am with you on the healthcare reform and an Obama supporter. We had a lifetime limit on health benefits before the reform and now we don't. I am sure Hope would have hit the limit by the time she had her Fontan and now I am relieved that we don't have to worry about that anymore. Pre-existing conditions are also worrisome and make me realize how lucky we are to have the great healthcare that we have.
ReplyDeleteNow...if we could all fight for tax reform...life would be much better! I am hoping that will be next on the agenda when he wins this year!
Congratulations to your family and thank you from all the heart families for bringing awareness to heart defects.
I have shared the video with many since I saw it posted by Michelle Obama on facebook -- I think your messgae is a powerful one and your family is so gorgeous -- what great messengers and how wonderful to see Zoe doing so well! Barb
ReplyDeleteHello Lihn family. I saw your video this morning and had to find a way to reach out to thank you for sharing your story with us all. My 4-year-old son was also born with a pre-existing condition and had to have two brain surgeries last fall as a result. The Affordable Care Act is an incredibly valuable part of our lives, and my wife and I also have anxiety about the fact that people want to repeal the law and possibly take health coverage away from our son. Also, I have to mention that my family was also the subject of a HCR video that VP Biden emailed out to the Organizing for America email list on the one year anniversary of health care reform (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKSiQtjTu3g). What an experience!
ReplyDeleteIf any of you ever want to chat about our respecive parenting journeys, don't hesitate. My email address is justin.ihle@gmail.com
Take care, and our prayers are with Zoe!
I love this video! Thank you for giving an articulate voice to parents with children with CHD. I have two little girls also, and my 3 1/2 year old has tricuspid atresia (hypoplastic right). You have a beautiful family and the work you're doing to promote the Affordable Care Act is awesome!
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