Since winning the approval of my seat elevator for my power wheelchair through navigating the labyrinth of Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s appeal’s process by taking my story to the local news – I have … Read the rest
Health Insurance Company Vs. The Individual (0-1) – Advocacy 101
After a long and arduous 7-month road of winding adventure of denials, appeals, and out of the box advocacy techniques … I’m proud to announce I took receipt of my new power wheelchair yesterday with … Read the rest
Summer Lovin
Its summertime, my favorite time of year! August is also my birthday month, so it is extra special to me, a good reminder to celebrate just being alive and the evolution of my disability a … Read the rest
The Fight for Survival – Health Insurance Battle for Medically Necessary Wheelchair Seat Elevator – Final Decision
Over the last several months I’ve engaged in a head-to-head battle with my insurance company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBS), for a critical function on my power wheelchair called the seat … Read the rest
The Fight for Survival – Health Insurance Battle Tactics for Medically Necessary Services – Part 2
We should be enraged, inspired to change, and determined to fight as Americans with the state of our healthcare system in this country. The fact that we spend 2 to 3 times more on health … Read the rest
The Art of Health Insurance Appeals: My Battle for a Power Wheelchair Seat Lift
As I was strapped into my electrical stimulation bike while simultaneously lifting weights I had my Bluetooth snuggly positioned into my ear listening to my “Rock it Out” music to keep my motivation over that … Read the rest
Window Shopping Dating Apps in the Time of Coronovirus; Rolling with Gina
Talk about total shit timing. My relationship ended right before the quarantine. We didn’t officially live together so here I am spending hours upon hours alone, staring at the … Read the rest
Aquatic Therapy – The Story of a Paralyzed Mermaid
Thinking back to my childhood I recall playing the “what do you want to be when you grow up” game with other kids. My answer was always a resounding “mermaid.” The water has always been … Read the rest
Intimacy and Romance After Marriage – “Newlywed Life”
If you get married in your early 20’s I’m sure life after marriage, especially newlywed life, is comprised of sex, unicorns, and rainbows! However, I think when you get married in your mid 30’s or … Read the rest
The Downfall of Our Healthcare System: A Harsh Reality
As the 30 minute mark passed while waiting on hold for Blue Cross and Blue Shield my mind started to wander. I opened up an old hard drive of my mother’s with photos spanning back … Read the rest
An Inside Personal View of Thriving After a Spinal Cord Injury
Surviving after a spinal cord injury is a daunting task that takes the expertise and help of medical professionals including surgeons, doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists. Thriving after a spinal cord injury … Read the rest
New TV Series on Surviving (and Flourishing) After Catastrophic Trauma
I was truly honored and humbled to be part of a television series called “Survivors” that was created by RTÉ (Ireland’s National Television and Radio Broadcaster) about people who have suffered trauma in … Read the rest