Javier is a four-year-old boy who was born with Down Syndrome, severe respiratory issues and two holes in his heart. He needs to see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, cardiologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist, pulmonologist, as well as his regular pediatrician to manage these conditions.
Fortunately, Javier qualifies for Medicaid, which means he can see the doctors he needs to grow and thrive. Javier wasn’t able to walk until he was two and a half years old, but he can now run thanks to his physical therapy. Because of his speech therapy, he went from being unable to communicate to a steadily increasing vocabulary that now includes 400 signs. He’s had surgeries to help his respiratory problems and receives nursing care during the week so that his mom, Martha, can work.
“Medicaid has changed our whole family’s life. It’s changed our financial future and gives us so much peace of mind,” Martha said.
Special thanks to NC Child for their partnership.