Once again, we find ourselves in a situation where, if Lily requires inpatient care, she would have to go alone. She might be airlifted to an unfamiliar hospital, as our local facility and many others are overwhelmed, and she would be without either me or her dad to advocate for her extensive medical needs. It’s disheartening to think that due to the thoughtless actions of others, my two-year-old, who was born prematurely and requires a tracheostomy, could end up in a strange place with no one to support her.
Seeing countless social media posts about “living your life” and “not being afraid” is not only frustrating but also painful. By choosing to disregard precautions, you risk the safety of vulnerable individuals like Lily, as well as your own family members, just to demonstrate your strength, while our child’s access to essential healthcare hangs in the balance.
I constantly hear that those who are vulnerable should simply isolate, or that Lily’s health is solely our responsibility. However, we have no choice but to visit the pharmacy for her medications and life-sustaining supplies. While we try to have groceries delivered, “staying home” is not a feasible option for us every day. Lily needs access to comprehensive medical services that extend beyond COVID-19 treatment — she has an open tracheostomy to assist her breathing, weakened lungs, and numerous other medical requirements stemming from her premature birth. With our hospital system currently in crisis, we face the risk of delayed responses to all medical emergencies, regardless of whether a pandemic is ongoing.
As you make your holiday arrangements, I urge you to think about individuals in your community like Lily who depend on hospital beds, ventilators, suction tubing, and, most importantly, healthcare professionals who are already overworked. This is still the time to prioritize the welfare of the community over individual freedoms. I don’t need your thoughts or prayers; I need you to reconsider your Thanksgiving plans and stay home.
Please don’t express concern for my child or others like her while continuing to live as if there is no pandemic.
If you’re interested in more insights, check out this post on home insemination. Also, for more authoritative information on this topic, visit intracervicalinsemination.com. Furthermore, if you’re seeking valuable resources for pregnancy and home insemination, Mount Sinai provides excellent information.
Probable Search Queries:
- How to support vulnerable individuals during the holidays?
- What are the risks of hospital overcrowding during a pandemic?
- How does COVID-19 affect healthcare access for fragile patients?
- What precautions should I take during Thanksgiving gatherings?
- How to advocate for medically fragile children?
Summary:
As the holidays approach, it’s crucial to consider the impact of your actions on vulnerable individuals, like my daughter Lily, who may face serious health risks due to hospital overcrowding and the pandemic. While many advocate for living without fear, it’s essential to prioritize the health and safety of those who rely on medical care. This year, I urge you to forgo gatherings and think of the greater good.