Thursday was a very busy day. I got up at 6:00am showered and got ready. My mother and I met the president of Children’s Specialized Hospital, Amy Mansue, and the Director of Family Centered Care, Donna Provanzano, in the hotel lobby and checked out of the hotel. Our first stop was the train station where we left our luggage. We then met up with Rob (sorry I don’t remember his last name). Rob was our guide to Capitol Hill. We took a short taxiride to “The Hill”and that’s when the fun started.
Our fist stop was Congressman Adler’s office where we spoke with Ms. Jill Greco, theChief of Staff. Ms Greco was very nice and took the time to listen to my story and wanted to know how she could help other children. I really felt like my story made an impact on how she will look at health care reform.
Our next stop was to Congressman Frank Pallone’s office there we spoke to the Legislative assistant Robert Clark. He took us into an office with a really long table and we all sat around it. We explained that we had come to speak to him about the health care reform bill. My mom told him about my accident and Amy spoke about the kids that are cared for at Children’s Specialized Hospital and then he asked me what I wanted him to know. I told him that all children need health insurance and that with out great health care I would not be the same person I am today. I also told him that I was very close to dying and that I was alive today because I had both access to great children’s hospitals and the health care insurance to cover me. He was a very nice man and took a lot of notes.
Next we ran what felt like 10 miles to Senator Frank Lautenberg’s office and there we spoke with Ms. Apryl Clark, a Legislative Assistant. She was very nice and listened to my story. She took notes too and made me feel very comfortable and asked me some questions about my accident and my recovery.
Our next stop was back to the first building to Congressman Leonard Lance's office where we met with legislative assistant Mr. Jeffrey Last.I remember that because Mr. Last was the last visit for the day. His office was so busy we decided to go down to the cafeteria to talk. He was very kind and really wanted to help us and took a lot of notes. My mom and Amy talked about the time I spent in the hospital and I told him about my recovery. He was a really nice man.
We had a really busy day. On the Hill every one we met treated us wonderfully and took the time to listen to what I had to say. I know how busy their days are and I am thankful that they made the time to meet with us. Every one of them made me feel at ease and although I am sure they had a hundred things to do, they never made me feel rushed. Thank you all for a day I will never forget.
Congratulations on such a successful trip! You truly are an inspiration to all of us! You deserve a "GOLD MEDAL!"
Sharon Clarken
Family Faculty - Hamilton
Posted by: Sharon Clarken | 06/23/2009 at 08:25 PM
Hi Melissa,
I wish everyone at Children's Specialized Hospital could have seen you in action on Capital Hill. You did a fantastic job and are a true inspration to all of us. I am so very proud of you!!
Donna
Posted by: Donna Provenzano | 06/23/2009 at 08:42 PM
They may also incorrectly diagnose a condition, resulting in unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment.
Posted by: obgyn gilbert | 02/28/2011 at 08:55 PM