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In East Lansing, Michigan, Sarah Abend built her life on hard work, creativity and persistence. She was the first in her family to attend college, and although she entered higher education uncertain of her path, she eventually returned to the passion that had driven her in high school: art. She chose jewelry design to make […]

Erica Manns, a 43-year-old Adean women living in the Millard area of Omaha, knows firsthand the critical role Medicaid plays in a family’s ability to survive and thrive. As a mother, student, and working professional with degrees in human resources, marketing, dental assisting, community health, nursing, and program management, Erica has managed a demanding life […]

Marshawn Ford Rush, a 50-year-old mother of two sets of twins, lives in Omaha, Nebraska. She works as a program manager for a national nonprofit, helps run a small local nonprofit, serves as a community advocate, and teaches as an adjunct professor at a local community college. Marshawn holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis […]

At 34 years old, Marquisha Williams lives in Omaha, Nebraska, determined to build a better life and break generational cycles. Born in Lincoln, she grew up in a family that didn’t have much. But through her strength and perseverance, she’s working toward a healthier and more stable future for herself and her family. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept […]

Stacy Ring and her husband have been married for over 30 years and are parents to four children. But it was 16 years ago that their world shifted dramatically. Their middle son, once a precocious, loving little boy who hit every developmental milestone early, began to regress suddenly and rapidly. He lost all functional communication […]

Genesis Lee lives in Westminster, Colorado, and is the mother of two children. Her oldest, Jasper, turns five in September. Her youngest, Athena, is two. “Thanks to Medicaid, I was able to have my babies free,” she said. “I did not have to worry about any medical charges from the hospital or medicines or therapies […]

Orion Ortolf is a 37-year-old living in Lewiston, Maine. They are currently a full-time student earning a master’s degree in social work to become a clinical therapist. Orion became uninsured when they aged out of their parent’s coverage at 26 until they were accepted to Maine’s Medicaid program, MaineCare, several years later. For those years […]

In the heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, Deanna Lucero lives in the rural town of Alamosa with her three children. Her youngest, Isaiah, is three years old, autistic and nonverbal. She describes him as “so full of potential, if given the chance.” For Isaiah, that chance comes through Medicaid. Thanks to Medicaid, Isaiah receives […]

Stephanie Conklin is a special education teacher for kindergarten and first grade students in the School District of Philadelphia who specializes in autistic support. She sees firsthand how Medicaid cuts affect more than just health care, they touch classrooms, educators and, more importantly, children. “Most of my students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and they are […]