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Amy

Photo by Mark Mosrie

Jacob, age 7, has a rare genetic disorder that requires him to use a machine to keep his lungs clear so he can breathe.  He uses another machine to eat and braces and a walker to get around.  While Jacob’s condition means that he has many medical needs, he can talk and his friendliness and growing intellect shine through in his speech.

In Fall 2007, his doctor said Jacob was ready to attend school and prescribed a one-on-one nurse to ensure his safety.  However, Amy was unable to find a nursing agency that would provide a nurse for Jacob. She appealed to the insurance company for help, but was told that there was nothing the company could do. Wanting her child to learn and be part of a community of other students, Amy contacted the Tennessee Justice Center for help. Since Jacob is on TennCare, TennCare is ultimately responsible for providing needed care.  After the Tennessee Justice Center contacted TennCare, a case manager was assigned to coordinate Jacob’s care. Soon a nursing agency arranged staffing for Jacob.  He is now attending school, learning and socializing in a stimulating environment. 

The family faces another problem.  Because of a recent TennCare rule, Amy was forced to quit her job so that there would be a “responsible adult” with Jacob at all times, in addition to the nurse. Unemployed because of this new rule, she is struggling to find work that she can do from home to support her family and meet the requirements of this rule.

Amy's best friend, Linda, puts it this way, "I have never seen a more protective, providing, loving mother. Amy has ALWAYS put her family first, being at home and trying to find work from home so she would be able to care for her sick child. I am very proud of her love and her strength and determination to get things done where any one of us would have given up a long time ago. She endures." She added, "Thank you for acknowleding the efforts and the struggles this young woman has been through. Without organizations such as yours, she would be lost."

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