This is the tale of one hundred children who depend on Medicaid in one way or another, whether as primary or secondary insurance or to subsidize school based therapies (speech, occupational, and physical therapies.) Read their stories.

Evelyn

8 months old, only child so far, Turner syndrome, Medicaid (therapies and specialists), very strong girl. Evelyn.

Miles

Age 1, developmental delay, Medicaid (nursing, respite, therapy), expresses tremendous love for his family. Chapel Hill, NC. Miles.

Naomi

Age 1, little sister, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, CAP-C (heart transplant), amazing fighter. Garner, NC. Naomi.

Nolan

Age 1, second child, Mowat Wilson syndrome, CAP-C (40 hours of nursing per week), he is a fighter. Charlotte, NC. Nolan.

Sterling

Age 2, cerebral palsy and autism, CAP-C (therapies and equipment), lights up a room. Lenoir, NC. Sterling.

Caitlin

Age 2, youngest of two, congenital bilateral Perisylvian syndrome, CAP-C (nursing, therapy, equipment, medical supplies), tenacity for life. Lexington, NC. Caitlin.

Javier

Age 2, only child, Down syndrome & heart defect, Medicaid (therapies), incredibly contagious joy. Javier.

Lucas

Age 2, youngest of two, developmental delay, Medicaid (therapy), future class clown. Mocksville, NC. Lucas.

Noah

Age 2, rare L1 CAM syndrome, CAP-C (therapies, surgeries, equipment), a real fighter. Salisbury, NC. Noah.

Holden

Age 2, the youngest of three, medical and intellectual disability, CAP-C (adaptive equipment, nursing), incredibly funny and kind. Randolph County, NC. Holden.

Eva

Age 2, twin and big sister, cerebral palsy, school therapies. Eva has a playful personality. Greensboro, NC. Eva.

Webb

Age 3, youngest of two, deletion in Chromosome 1, Medicaid (therapies), strongest soul you’ll ever meet. Charlotte. NC. Webb.

Emma

Age 3, a twin, special needs, CAP-C (nursing, diapers, therapies), she is persistent and joyful. Charlotte, NC. Emma.

Vivi

Age 3, youngest of two, cerebral palsy, CAP-C (therapies), talkative with the best imagination. Winston Salem, NC. Vivi.

Amos

Age 3, youngest of four, autism and unnamed genetic disorder, school therapy services, an absolute gem. Edenton, NC. Amos.

Jake

Age 3, big brother to a sister, global developmental delay and vision/hearing impairments, gtube, nonmobile, CAP-C (nursing as no access to child care, cochlear implant), his smile lights up the room! Hillsborough, NC. Jake.

Madi

Age 3, middle of three girls, Down syndrome and heart defect, homebound school services, wonderful sister. Eastern NC. Madi.

Clark

Age 3, younger brother, genetic disorder and autism, Medicaid waiver (therapies & equipment), Clark is very affectionate and a mini foodie. Durham, NC. Clark.

Luci

Age 4, oldest of two, spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, CAP-C (services, equipment), adores being in a circle of people. Asheville, NC. Luci.

Eli

Age 4, youngest of two, undiagnosed genetic disorder, CAP-C (therapies, equipment), adores fireworks and swimming. Knightdale, NC. Eli.

Emilio

Age 4, only child, Trisomy 9 mosaic/partial, CAP-C (therapies), rules his classroom with a smile. Greensboro, NC. Emilio.

Asher

Age 4, younger brother, developmental delay, Pre-k & speech, incredibly happy and energetic. Asher.

Jax

Age 4, youngest of four, autism, school based therapy, a true delight. Raleigh, NC. Jax

Emerson

Age 5, autism and developmental delay, Medicaid (therapies), an awesome boy. Emerson.

Sophie

Age 5, only child, epilepsy and Neuro-degeneration of brain, CAP-C ( therapists, supplies, equipment), has the sweetest smile. Taylorsville, NC. Sophie.

Moira

Age 5, middle of three, terminal Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia, CAP-C (nursing, respite, therapies), she meets adversity with grace. Greensboro, NC. Moira.

Lydia

Age 5, twin sister, short bowel syndrome and cerebral palsy, CAP-C (nursing, respite care), incredibly compassionate. Clemons, NC. Lydia.

Ellie

Age 5, big sister, Down syndrome, numerous school based therapies covered by Medicaid, lover of all things related to music. Ellie.

James

Age 5, older brother to twin brothers, school therapy services (speech and OT), amazing capacity for growth. James.

Claire

Age 6, heart defect, liver disease, autism, school services, lover of life. Eastern NC. Claire.

James

Age 6, one of four children, rare genetic seizure disorder, CAP-C (20 hours nursing per week plus respite), the heart of a family. Raleigh, NC. James.

James

Age 6, oldest of three, Down syndrome, Medicaid school services, ability to notice the feelings of others. Winston Salem, NC. James.

Jeremiah

Age 6, oldest of two, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, Medicaid (weekly therapy and surgeries), amazing prayer warrior. Salisbury, NC. Jeremiah.

Sophia

Age 6, two rare chromosome disorders (16p12.2 Microdeletion Syndrome and 3q13.33 Duplication ), CAP-C (therapies, nursing), amazing girl. Sophia.

Grayson

Age 6, only child, cerebral palsy, severe intellectual disability, CAP-C (nursing, therapies, equipment), gives the best hugs! Garner, NC. Grayson.

Skylar

Age 6, has a little sister, Ehlers Danlos Hypermobility Syndrome, CAP-C (nursing, therapy, equipment), incredibly empathetic. Gastonia, NC. Skylar.

Braxton

Age 6, big brother, special needs, school services, powerful memory. Raleigh, NC. Braxton.

Ella

Age 6, sister to Mason, epilepsy and developmental delay, CAP-C (therapy and nursing), a little pistol who loves to laugh. Ella.

Michelle

Younger adopted autistic sister of Tristen. Receives speech and ot. Loves music and is hyperlexic . Tarboro, NC. Michelle.

Leland

Age 7, intractable epilepsy and autism, CAP-C (nursing, diapers, therapy), always happy and loves water. Eagle Springs, NC. Leland.

Eli

Age 7, oldest of two, developmental delay, CAP-C (nursing, therapies, surgeries, equipment), amazing smile! Stanley, NC. Eli.

Fraser

Age 7, only child, autism, school services, has never met a stranger. Raleigh native. Fraser.

Oliver

Age 7, youngest of four, Down syndrome, adopted from Bulgaria, Medicaid, he’s a fighter. Raleigh, NC. Oliver.

Chance

Age 7, number 5 of all boys, CHARGE syndrome, CAP-C (nursing, supplies), fantastic brother. Apex, NC. Chance.

Charlotte

Age 7, younger sister, brain abnormality, Medicaid (nursing, therapies, equipment), loves to be outside and hopes to walk independently someday. Charlotte.

Nolan

Age 7, one of four, special needs. Innovations Waiver waitlist (Medicaid), one man show and always in costume. Statesville, NC. Nolan.

Gabe

Age 7, second grader, oldest of three, Spina Bifida, school services, plays adaptive sports. Gabe.

Riley

Age 8, only child, third grader, deaf & ADHD, academic support services, hard worker. Raleigh, NC. Riley.

Sophia

Age 8, big sister to two, Rhett Syndrome, CAP/C (nursing), enchanting giggle. Cornelius, NC. Sophia.

Bella

Age 8, big sister, Down syndrome, school services, amazing joy. Rocky Mount, NC. Bella.

Ethan

Age 8, youngest of three, autism, school services, has a wonderful sense of humor. Ethan.

Mack

Age 8 today! A twin and big brother, 22q deletion, CAP-C (gtube and therapies), happy go lucky. Mack.

Anna Beth

Age 9, oldest of four, non-verbal, CAP-C (therapy & diapers) incredibly social. Kannapolis, NC. Anna Beth.

Davis

Age 9, one of two children, Medicaid (gtube & therapies), Davis hopes to be a doctor. Leicester, NC. Davis.

Harrison

Age 9, younger twin sisters (age 8), kidney disease and deaf, CAP-C, loyal and a cheerleader for his friends. Harrison.

Aiden

Age 9, youngest of two, receives speech, physical therapy, and occupational therapy while at school, and has the best sense of humor. Aiden.

Logan

Age 10, older brother, Asperger’s & ADHD, therapy services, adores technology. Charlotte, NC. Logan.

Charlie

Age 10, oldest of three, autism and ADHD, school services, loves all things music. Charlie.

Raegan

Age 10. Oldest of two, developmental delay and medical issues, CAP-C (nursing, therapies, equipment), amazing sense of humor. Raleigh, NC. Raegan.

Ella

Age 10, younger of two, mitochondrial disease and autism, Medicaid (feeding tube requires nursing), incredibly brave, kind and spoke after 6 years. Chapel Hill, NC. Ella

PJ

Age 10, big brother to foster sister, Trisomy 13 & Cri du Chat syndrome, Medicaid (18 hours of daily nursing), determined spirit. PJ.

Jacob

Age 11, a twin, special needs, CAP-C (nursing and therapies), loves museums. Matthews, NC. Jacob.

Carli

Age 11, youngest of two, developmental delay, CAP-C (diapers, nursing, respite), delightful girl. Carli.

Lauren

Age 11, one of six, complex medical needs, Medicaid (wheelchairs, nursing, therapies), determined to live life to fullest. Burlington, NC. Lauren.

George

Age 11, little brother, hip dysphasia, epilepsy, lots of therapy, incredibly bright. George.

Reagan

Age 11, oldest of two, arthrogyposis and gastroschisis, Medicaid (no longer), adores electronics. Edenton, NC. Reagan.

Connor

Age 11, oldest of three, Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Medicaid (nursing, therapies, equipment), he gives the best hugs. High Point, NC. Connor.

Patrick

Age 12, a twin, cerebral palsy, school services, adores Jimmy Fallon and Ellen Degeneres as hopes to be a late night show host! Patrick.

Leslie

Age 12, younger sister, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Health Choice of Medicaid, artsy crafty. Leslie.

Taylor

Age 13, oldest of three, school services, incredibly kind and an awesome runner. Taylor.

Ryan

Age 13, middle child, Asperger’s and ADHD, school services adores trains and legos. Ryan.

Taylor

Age 13, oldest of three, school services, compassionate and an awesome runner. Taylor.

Kaden

Age 13, oldest of three, autism, special school for kids with learning differences, has turned his verbal tics into beat boxing skills! Kaden.

Keenan

Age 13, youngest of four, Gtube, CAP-C, adores the military and honorary staff sergeant. Keenan.

Carolina

Age 14, one of two children, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Medicaid (therapies), Carolina is very good at making friends. Leicester, NC. Carolina.

Trevor

Age 14, big brother, non verbal autism, school services, awesome human beatbox. Wake Forest, NC. Trevor.

Andy

Age 14, only child, developmental delay, CAP-C, adores all things elevator related. Raleigh, NC. Andy.

Alex

Age 14, only child, mitochondrial disorder, Innovations Waiver (Medicaid), has a smile that will rock your world. Charlotte, NC. Alex.

Jacob

Age 14, oldest of two, CAP-C, incredibly joyful. Jacob.

Lexi

Age 15, youngest of five, severe neurological disorder, Innovations Waiver, has repeatedly placed first on National French Exam. Lexi.

Harley

Age 15, big brother, cerebral palsy and autism, Medicaid, advocate for special needs kids. Wilmington, NC. Harley.

Spencer

Age 15, younger brother, autism, school services through Medicaid, memory is sharp as a tack. Advance, NC. Spencer.

Rachel

Age 15, global delays as a toddler, no longer considered special needs, artist with a huge heart. Rachel.

Jax

Age 15, has older brother, genetic syndrome called Dup15q, school services, sweet and easy going. Charlotte, NC. Jax.

Jackie

Age 16, Dravet syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, Medicaid (resides in adolescent residential care facility), funny and courageous. Brevard, NC. Jackie.

Davis

Age 16, younger brother, autism, developmental delay and seizure disorder, school services, loves balloons and playing ball. Davie County, NC. Davis.

Catherine

Age 18, only child, adopted from foster care at age 5 (qualifies for Medicaid until age 18), delays, tenacious with a heart of gold. Catherine.

Woody

Age 18, younger brother, CAP-C, belly laugh. Cary, NC. Woody.

Thompson

Age 23, younger brother, autism, seizure and bone disorders, CAP-C (pays for Godsend, Delores), infectious laugh. Thompson.

Caroline

Age 27, middle child, CAP-C, she loves people. Caroline.

James

Age 28, youngest of 4 children, special needs, volunteer coach and smile lights up the room. James.

Brett

Age 42, oldest of three, received school services and now receives Disability, hard worker and trail blazer for autism. Brett.

Jonathan

Age 44, cerebral palsy, Innovations Waiver, NC Medicaid, amazing self-advocate. Jonathon.

Caleb & Ryder

Ages 8 and 5, two oldest of three, fragile X syndrome, school services, they love big and make each other happy. Charlotte, NC. Caleb and Ryder.

Jack & Luke

Age 10 and 8, brothers, epilepsy microcephaly, gtube, nonmobile, CAP-C (home care, nursing, equipment), may be nonverbal, but show a lot of love. Durham, NC. Jack and Luke.

Morgan

Youngest of three girls, cerebral palsy and seizure disorder, the essence of pure love. Life on earth ended at age 13, 2011. Morgan.