As we approach the holiday season once more, a stark reality looms: if my daughter Lily requires inpatient care, she would have to face it alone. She could be airlifted to an unfamiliar hospital, as our local medical facilities are overwhelmed. Our two-year-old, who relies on a tracheostomy and was born prematurely, would be admitted without either of us there to advocate for her extensive medical needs.
It’s disheartening to see so many people posting about “living life to the fullest” and “not living in fear.” Your choices to risk the health of the vulnerable, including the elderly and those like Lily, just to showcase your strength are deeply troubling. Our child’s access to essential healthcare hangs in the balance.
I often hear that the vulnerable should simply stay home, or that Lily’s health is solely our concern. However, we have no choice but to visit the pharmacy for her medications and essential supplies. While we manage to have groceries delivered, the idea of “just staying home” is not a feasible option for us. Lily’s medical needs extend far beyond COVID-19, as she has an open tracheostomy to assist with her breathing and numerous other health issues resulting from her premature birth. With the healthcare system strained, any delay in response to emergencies—pandemic or otherwise—could have dire consequences for her and others.
As you finalize your holiday plans, please think of individuals in your community like Lily who may need hospital beds, ventilators, suction tubing, and, most importantly, the already overworked medical staff. This is a time to prioritize the collective well-being over personal desires. I don’t need your thoughts and prayers; I need you to skip Thanksgiving celebrations and stay home.
Please refrain from claiming to care for children like mine while continuing to lead your life as if there is no pandemic.
Further Reading
For further insights into similar topics, you might find this post from our other blog useful: Home Insemination Kit. If you’re interested in authoritative resources on home insemination, check out Make a Mom, which offers valuable information. Additionally, Johns Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- How to support medically fragile children during the pandemic
- Impact of COVID-19 on healthcare access for vulnerable populations
- What to consider before holiday gatherings during a pandemic
- The importance of hospital capacity in emergencies
- Resources for parents of children with special medical needs
In summary, as the holiday season approaches, it’s crucial to reflect on the implications of our choices on the vulnerable members of our community like my daughter Lily. Let’s prioritize their needs and ensure that our actions contribute to the greater good.