From The Pilot: October 21, 2009
I am one of millions of Americans who depend heavily on health insurance, but our monthly premiums are ridiculously high!
Do I want to pay more taxes? Of course not, but I will if it means each American receives the same opportunities I have. This is America -- not some poverty-stricken country!
I am encouraged to fight this cause with Obama because of Sarah, a special person I mentored. I met Sarah in her early teens and was so impressed with her maturity and intelligence. She became like family.
Sarah was raised in a trailer park with deaf parents, and her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia in Sarah's infancy. Sarah earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan.
Unfortunately, as with many other victims that experience the cruelty of mental illness, the onset of the illness developedsoon after Sarah graduated. Her first hospitalization was followed by others. She now lives as a single mother. As many others in this country, she has become unemployed despite her qualifications. But she has stabilized her bipolar diagnosis with the help of the right medication to control her illness.
Her treatment is due for review as a result of cutbacks with mental health facilities and funds such as Medicaid. If she is left without medication, she will have further episodes without intervention. She could become vulnerable to fall in with others who fight mental illness, which can lead to homelessness, crime and suicide.
What will happen to her innocent child? What will happen to Sarah? Is this fair to any individual? Is this a country we can be proud of?
I urge each one of you to consider supporting Obama in his fight to reform health care. With your trust, he will be able to help all Americans with equal, balanced rights.
Cindy Continenza
Southern Pines
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