My son Andrew has non verbal profound autism and epilepsy. He is on the waiting list for Lee. His primary care doctor discharged him due to his fear of the doctor and not being able to understand Andrews fears. We had so much hope in this clinic and the inclusion of their patients. The fact that this is where they want to make Medicaid cuts to those that are the most vulnerable is heart breaking.
This is our Blakey. Blake was born at 24 weeks weighing 1lb 10oz. From the moment he entered this world, Blake needed doctors and nurses to survive. As a premature baby, his tiny body just wasn’t strong enough to support himself. He required a ventilator to breath, daily heel pricks for blood tests, experienced constant collapsed lungs, was covered in lights to keep his bilirubin level down, had an illiostomy surgery at 1lb 4oz to repair a torn illium, had a colostomy bag for several months, experienced a severe grade-4 brain bleed, and had an illiostomy reversal surgery….all prior to finally leaving the hospital 4 months later at 4lbs 6oz. He did not and would not have it easy medically!
Justin has been involved with Lee Specialty Clinic since its inception! The closure of Lee Specialty Clinic will have a devastating impact on my son, who has severe autism and relies on specialized services that are difficult to find elsewhere. For years, Lee Specialty Clinic has provided care, support, and resources tailored to his unique needs. Losing these services threatens his health, stability, and quality of life, while placing an even greater burden on our family as we struggle to find equivalent care. For individuals with complex disabilities, continuity of specialized services is essential, and the loss of Lee Specialty Clinic leaves many families facing an uncertain future.
My name is Alison and this is Grace my daughter who is 24. We waited a long time to get into the Lee’s clinic and was just getting used to services and looking to explore more. I’ve always been a strong advocate for her and also determined and resourceful. I’m very disheartened by the recent cuts and lack consideration for the disabled community. It’s already hard and overwhelming to be a caregiver but then when they cut the few supports that we have, it’s almost like a stab in the back. I am very tired and exhausted and often feel lonely. I been a single parent through all this with my own health battles. I always have hope but this seems like dark times. I encourage everyone to grasp any self-care they can and look for the glimmers of hope. They may seem like firefly’s on a dark night but they are there and we have to chase something to keep going.
Hi I am a PROUD autismx2 Momma bear and to say that Lee Specialty has been a Godsend to our family is the understatement of the century. Both Colton and Victoria have been receiving services there for many years. AND they’ve become more than a clinic to us. Instead they have become LIKE FAMILY.
I am the mother of Charlie (20). He has Down syndrome. Finding an adult provider was a joke. They did not understand his needs. He finally got into the Lee Clinic. Been there about 3 years. They listened. He is no longer the moody whiney guy. His attitude is much better. He is losing weight.
WHY: because they listened.
Please send them an authentic story about your child and your family. Tell them what daily life really looks like. Explain the burdensome process of trying to get services, the long waits, the dead ends, and the fact that so many of us already cannot reach the services our children need. Medicaid cannot be cut any further. Families are already stretched to the breaking point.
Lee Specialty Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky is facing a devastating closure on July 15th if urgent funding isn’t secured. This clinic serves thousands of disabled individuals not only in our community but across the state and even neighboring areas. Closing it would mean thousands left without access to specialized healthcare that they cannot find elsewhere. We can’t let this happen.
If you or someone you know is anxious to get a shirt and/or sign before next Wednesday, please text Steve Tembeleski at 502-494-0059. He will provide additional details on how & where to pick them up. Thank you!
Our son Danny has Autism and is thirty years old. He has been a patient of the Lee Specialty Clinic for ten years. Prior to becoming a patient at the clinic, Danny had to be given general anesthesia for all dental procedures, including a simple cleaning. These procedures were very frightening and uncomfortable for him, and came with the inherent risks associated with general anesthesia.
