Family Advocates Disability Funding in Montana

A 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and her family are planning a trip from Great Falls, Montana to Washington D.C. next week to participate in National Family Advocacy Day.

While at the event, the Looby family will be one of two families picked to speak personally with Sen. Max Baucus and Jon Tester on receiving more funding for children with disabilities.

Lack of Funding in Montana

The advocacy day arrives at the same time that the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is being renewed in Montana.

A bill was also recently introduced to the senate that will provide $100 million in the next five years to invest in healthcare for children with cerebral palsy, and other disabilities alike.

Quest to Make a Difference

Jana and Dan’s daughter, Mabel, was born at 30 weeks and the Looby’s were told my doctor’s that her chances of survival were questionable.

However, Mabel was sent home after six weeks in the hospital and has proven to be a fighter ever since.

“She’s smart,” says mother Jana, “she wants to do what she wants to do.”

Father Dan says that the ultimate goal in speaking with representatives at the advocacy is to petition for more services to be available to children like Mabel.

The Looby family has to travel for two days for Mabel to receive the proper medical care she needs in Montana.

“It has been harder for pediatrics in Montana to have a voice,” says Molly Snyder, public relations director at Gillette Healthcare.

Once in Washington D.C. Jana and Dan admit that they are unsure of what to say.

“I’ll tell them what they need to do and give it to them,” Mabel boldly states.

(Source: Great Falls Tribune)

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