As a hospital that is over 70% funded by Medicaid, our important services for medically fragile children are in jeopardy with proposed cuts to Medicaid. In New York State, ANYONE with a child hospitalized longer than 30 consecutive days may be eligible for Medicaid support based on the severity of their child's illness and not on income. Why does this matter? Well, because insurance plans do not always cover all medical costs, whether or not the services are medically necessary. And when they do, the co-pay, co-insurance, or balances can be financially devastating. It is one of those "pray you never need to find out how good your insurance plan is" type of situations. But in New York, if you are ever in this position, there is support through the Medicaid program. Until there isn't. I am so proud of the work that we do and will keep doing it for our patients and families. I will continue to raise my voice for those who struggle with so much. I will raise it for the blessings of my own healthy children and the knowledge that it can all change in an instant. I will raise it because this is what we do at Blythedale. Any donation, no matter small, helps us greatly. So if you are able and feel so inclined, feel free to click on the link to donate. This year, I am proud to be part of the "Social Work Stride" team that was organized by one of my wonderful staffers. You can find us on the page. And if you can't, feel free to donate to anyone else on the site. It all goes to the best possible use. Each and every dollar.