Donna’s Story

Donna’s Story

Maryland, MD-07

My name is Donna and I’m a 56-year-old resident of Cherry Hill, a housing project in Baltimore, Maryland. My disabled son and I have lived here for a long time, and we love our neighborhood and are grateful we have a place to live because that hasn’t always been the case. I have survived two house fires and spent a long time being homeless and living in motels. If not for SSDI and Medicaid, we’d have starved. I worked very hard to get help after years of going without so my disabled son could eat. I do not want to feel hungry ever again. We now live in government housing and have been able to have a more stable life.

I grew up poor and I always dreamed of living a more stable life. I had my own cleaning business for a long time, and often supplemented that income by working other jobs. I have always been a hard worker. Things changed for me after a number of traumatic events. I experienced PTSD and began to struggle severely and was unable to keep jobs. Eventually, I got pregnant. Getting help from SSDI and Medicaid were lifelines during this time. 

I am still very low-income. I live off of $635/month, which is the only income I have. My son and I live in a housing project, and that’s the only way we’re able to avoid being homeless. We struggle every day to make ends meet. 

I’m scared to even imagine my life without Medicaid. My son and I both  receive weekly therapy – it’s been the most helpful thing. Therapy has saved my life. My son is also able to receive services at the Kennedy Krieger Institute which helps people who have developmental disabilities. Without Medicaid, he would not be able to receive these services. I have been experiencing chest pains recently, and I know that if my Medicaid went away I wouldn’t be able to get help for that. If I can’t get my healthcare, who will take care of my son?

I want our lawmakers to remember that people matter, and these services matter. I don’t plan on needing help my whole life, but it is vital for me in my situation now. If a government takes care of its people, such as with free healthcare, education and safe housing, then all people will be happier. When people are happier, everything runs better and people are able to take pride in themselves and their surroundings.

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