As a mother, I understand the heartbreak a parent experiences when their child is suffering. When I was first approached by local mom Kate Grobe Drury three years ago, I was horrified to learn that her son Charlie’s treatments for a rare autoimmune disorder were not covered by insurance and angry about the financial hardship that families like hers face simply to help their children feel like themselves again.
With the help and perseverance of Kate and another local mom named Wendy Nawara, whose children also suffered from PANDAS/PANS, I passed legislation to require insurance companies to cover treatment for this disorder. Because of our hard work together, other parents will not have to incur the incredible cost of treatment in order to provide basic care that their kids need to be healthy. I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for standing with me to support these families, and I urge the Senate and Governor Rauner to act quickly and approve this measure to ensure children in Illinois have access to this life changing treatment.
This legislation is a perfect example of what can happen when community members take action to address their concerns. Kate and Wendy took the initiative to get involved in the legislative process and approach me about this issue, and now their idea is on its way to becoming a law. Countless children will have access to the medication they need because of their advocacy.
Sincerely,
Deb Conroy
State Representative, 46th District
