Political Quotes

“I would like to resume my remarks following the swearing in. I also offer my congratulations to my new colleague. Ann Odenhal, Richmond, VA: On New Year's Eve, 2013, we were informed that our youngest son, Patrick, 18 years old, had Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), an incurable disease that comes with a lifetime of insulin dependence, injecting oneself six to eight times a day. The cause is unknown, it is not a lifestyle disease and there is no escaping it once diagnosed. The beta cells on our son's pancreas just stopped working. T1D is extremely dangerous and when not managed can cause blindness, kidney failure, limb loss, other issues and death. We were knocked off our feet, numb, confused and overwhelmed by the danger and the medical requirements to stay within an acceptable insulin range. People with the disease must balance insulin doses with eating and other activities throughout the day and night. They must also measure their blood-glucose level by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. Our son still can have dangerous high or low blood-glucose levels, both of which can be life threatening. He will die without insulin; he could die from too much insulin. In the midst of our fog of sadness and confusion, we remembered the ACA. ``At least the ACA will be there when Patrick is on his own. He will be able to get health insurance regardless of his prior condition,'' was our mantra. One day, Patrick came home and announced, ``Great news!…”