Wendy Andersen: Care That Keeps a Family Together

Wendy Andersen is a proud mother of three children, two of whom have disabilities. Her son Dexter, now a teenager, was diagnosed as an infant with tuberous sclerosis a rare genetic condition that causes tumors throughout the body, including the brain and heart. The diagnosis came after a terrifying weekend in the hospital where doctors worked quickly to find the cause of his infantile spasms.  

“He had tumors in his brain and heart,” Wendy recalls. “When he was just three, we were faced with the agonizing decision: should he undergo brain surgery or start a chemotherapy drug to stop the tumor’s growth?”  

They chose the medication, and Dexter has taken it daily ever since.  

By age four, Dexter was also diagnosed with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and delays that require around-the-clock care. His needs are complex, and for years, the Andersen family shouldered this burden largely alone.  

“We didn’t even know about Medicaid waivers in the beginning,” Wendy says. “And our private insurance had a $5,000 deductible every January just for medications.”  

At one point, Dexter was taking $56,000 worth of medication each month. Therapy needs like occupational, physical, speech, and recreational therapy weren’t covered until they were able to access Medicaid through Iowa’s Brain Injury Waiver when Dexter was eight.  

“Medicaid has been a lifeline for our family,” Wendy explains. “It covers services that allow Dexter to thrive in our home and in our community. He needs 24/7 care. Without respite services or home support, one of us would have to quit working. And worse, Dexter wouldn’t get the care he deserves.”  

Wendy is deeply worried about proposed cuts to Medicaid and other disability support programs. “If Medicaid is cut, it’s not just hard, it becomes devastating. Not just for Dexter, but for so many families like ours. My son deserves to live at home, be part of his community, and have the care he needs to live with dignity.”  

Her message is clear: Medicaid doesn’t just support health, it supports family, stability, and hope.