I am writing as a proud member of the disability community in Southwest Colorado. I live, work and volunteer independently with the support I receive through Medicaid. I’m deeply concerned about what could happen if that support is taken away.
Thanks to Medicaid, I stay healthy with supplies for my CPAP machine, access to doctors and physical therapy that helps my body function. I also get help managing anxiety and PTSD and keeping my home clean, so I can live on my own instead of relying on my mom. On hard days, these services give me the strength to get out of bed. Without them, I would not only lose support but also hope.
I’m not just someone who uses services. I’m an advocate, a worker and a leader. I’m the activity director at Our Own Lives and serve on the Client Leadership Council. I’ve spoken at City Council meetings, helped create a Snowdown parade float this year and attended the Alliance Colorado conference the past two years to advocate for people with disabilities. I also worked for four years as a lifeguard at the Durango Community Recreation Center, where I helped older adults feel safe and supported.
Our Own Lives and Community Connections are nonprofits that support people with disabilities in Southwest Colorado. We’ve worked hard to build a community where everyone is included and respected, but we can’t do it alone.
We are human. We matter. Medicaid is not just a program. It’s a lifeline.
Cathy Sykes
Durango
