We are writing not only as enthusiastic supporters of Senator McCain and Governor Palin, but as parents of a severely autistic child, who for the first time has heard from those running for highest office in the land discuss autism.
As parents who work for a living, have good medical insurance, and want to care for our children, we are constantly forced to fight for every service offered by the public schools and pay out of pocket for the necessary medical treatments our children need because insurance companies in Oklahoma refuse to cover the cost of diagnosis and treatment of autism.
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Nick’s Law passed through our Senate in a bipartisan manner four separate times, but was not given the opportunity to be heard in committee or on the floor. One of the members of our Republican House Leadership asked during caucus, “Why help these children? They are only going to end up in an institution anyway.”
This is what we are up against in Oklahoma, Governor Palin. These are people from your own party talking this way about children who can’t speak for themselves.
If Nick’s Law had made it to the floor, it would have passed. Big insurance money padding the pockets of our Republican House leadership spoke much louder than our 6,500-plus children in Oklahoma who need insurance coverage.
We aren’t asking for a handout. Hard-working Oklahomans just want this disease that affects more children than all pediatric cancers, AIDs and diabetes COMBINED to be covered under private-pay insurance.
Actuarial studies for the state of Oklahoma show that the cost for each policyholder would be $1.66/month for single and $4.66/month for family policyholders. Families living in Oklahoma are currently spending over $5,000 a month out of pocket so their children will not grow up to become wards of the state.
I’m sure many, many Alaskans can relate to this growing issue.
Please, Governor Palin, listen to us and listen for the lost voices of children who were born healthy and then taken away from us by this heartbreaking disease called autism.
Robyne and Wayne Rohde
Edmond, Okla.
Comments
13 comment(s)Research needed wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:11 PM:
Unfortunately, Palin isn't big on science and has said she opposes things she supports. The reverse may be true also.
McCain's health insurance plan will likely leave many more uninsured, so you may not have to worry about what is covered.
McCain and Palin both fail the "love thy neighbor as thyself" test. "
Slim Cricket wrote on Oct 28, 2008 7:58 AM:
Robyne Rohde Edmond Oklahoma wrote on Oct 22, 2008 3:42 PM:
You know, if you don't like her, then just say so. I've also been blamed for my son's autism by people who are ignorant and simply have no idea what they talking about.
Attack her policies or her party, but attacking her for having the courage to keep a Down's baby when she had the option of not doing so is commendable.
Governor Palin...you have our vote! "
Robyne Rohde Edmond Oklahoma wrote on Oct 22, 2008 3:36 PM:
We are so off topic but my baby's water broke at 28 weeks. He isn't autistic or Down's (I was 40). He lived for 4 days without Amneotic fluid before he was born. He is perfectly healthy.
I don't know where you are getting your facts.....Obama maybe? "
TO Robyne wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:58 AM:
AFTER her water broke she boraded a plane in Texas, changed flights in Seattle, and went on to Alaska. EVEN UNDER BEST OF CIRCUMSTANCES YOU DON'T BOARD A PLANE!
This is extremely reckless, (it could be argued intentionaly harmful) behavior with reguards to the well being of an AT RISK chid.
I believe she uses "better health care" for this population of persons as a ploy to get votes, not out of genuinly caring for them. "
Robyne Rohde Edmond Oklahoma wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:22 AM:
The Palin's had no way of knowing their child was a Down's baby until the Amniocentesis was performed. I had the same procedured on my twins. It is well after one becomes pregnant. She could have aborted, but she didn't. Once again, she did the right thing.
I think you should get your facts right. I have faith that Governor Palin will continue to "do the right thing". "
I am sorry wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:07 PM:
Futhermore, she put her AT RISK childs life in jepardy when she chose to board a plane and and travel across the US after going into labor. So much for right to life..
I cannot imagine a mother doing this to a child that they KNEW would have major mental/physical health problems before conception.
This speaks volumes to whom she is at the very core. "
Robyne Rohde Edmond Oklahoma wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:46 PM:
It is scary to think that my children may have to live in a socialistic society and it is equally scary Obama has come this far.
Senator McCain, Governor Palin--I pray to God you win, not only for our children, but for our country.
Robyne Rohde
Edmond, Oklahoma "
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:25 AM:
Robyne Rohde Edmond Oklahoma wrote on Oct 20, 2008 4:39 PM:
Regarding McCains intentions..Well, the proof will be in McCain/Palin's actions once elected, won't it?
Since NO ONE at the President or Vice President's level of power has ever had the courage to mention autism, I'm placing my vote on McCain/Palin.
I prefer to trust a war hero instead of someone who pals around with known terrorists. But hey, I live in the Bible Belt. "
Jim from Boston wrote on Oct 20, 2008 6:32 AM:
As for more funds to help the growing number of autistic children. McCain advocates a complete budget freeze. Sorry, you lose with McCain Palin.
Third. Palin has a Downs syndrome child. What does that have to do with autism. They don't even know the difference. You lose again. "
MAXKATT from NY wrote on Oct 20, 2008 5:27 AM:
Robyne Rohde Edmond Oklahoma wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:02 AM:
We hope that Governor Palin will see this letter and realize what families all over the country are going through.
Autism has reached epidemic porportions. While research is important, families need help now.
Not handouts, but we want to stop the systematic exclustion of this disease by private pay insurance companies.
We know how to treat autism to the point where the child can lead the God-given life he/she was intended to live.
Senator McCain and Governor Palin, please look at this issue. "