Health Care Story of the Week - 11/19/09

Even though it seems that families are far too often fighting losing battles, there is always hope. This week we are proud to bring a success story, achieved because of parents’ relentless dedication to ensuring their children receive the best care possible.

Four-year-old Rebecca Lyons-Winford and her three siblings escaped from a severely abusive home when they were adopted by moms Linda Winford and Kathy Lyons in 2005. Kathy is a retired Army chemical officer who now owns and operates a pet store, grooming and boarding facility. Linda is medically retired from the phone company and now cares for their four children full time. The children came to the Lyons-Winford home with broken bones, shaved heads, and behavioral problems. Each of the children has special needs. But with the love and care of their new family, the children have begun to heal, improving in school and gaining physical and emotional strength.

Last fall, Rebecca suffered an accident, nearly drowning in the family pool. After being rushed to the hospital and stabilized, the family began the long, slow process of recovery. Rebecca is on TennCare, which is required by law to provide the medical care children need. When the family called the Tennessee Justice Center, we began working to ensure TennCare complied with the law. Only three years old at the time of her accident, Rebecca’s life holds so much promise, and getting appropriate treatment is key to realizing her full potential.

One piece of medical equipment essential to Rebecca’s well-being is her Vest airway clearance system. This machine helps clear her lungs and prevent choking and respiratory infections. She has been successfully using the Vest for hundreds of hours, over the course of more than a year. Because of this, Rebecca has not been hospitalized for any type of pulmonary problems. This is a great feat, as many children in Rebecca's condition are continually hospitalized for pneumonia and other bronchial problems. In September 2009, TennCare wrote the family a letter saying it won’t pay for the Vest because it’s not needed to treat her medical problems and it is experimental.

Ms. Lyons and Ms. Winford talked with Rebecca’s doctor and got a letter explaining Rebecca’s needs and recommending the Vest. Then, in a hearing with TennCare attorneys and a judge, Ms. Lyons argued convincingly that it would be cheaper for TennCare and better for Rebecca to continue using the Vest. TennCare’s arguments that the care was experimental did not hold water. The judge ruled favorably, and now Rebecca continues to make improvements, both physically and mentally.

These mothers’ persistence and dedication to their children, even under adverse conditions, is remarkable. Because of their love, four Tennessee children have a real shot at living full, successful lives.