Health Care from a Kid’s Perspective

Diana Cihak August 28, 2009 15

My 10 year old daughter Sage has been very patient.  It is tough for a girl to see her mother obsessed with a cause.  The amount of attention paid to her is sometimes usurped by the urgency of the fight for health care.  So, when she decided on her own to write a blog post about health care reform I have to admit I teared up (much to her embarrassment).  It reminded me that kids absorb so much more of the world around them and your actions than you even know.  I hope you enjoy the words of someone who will be impacted by the work we do now on health care reform for many many years to come.

Here is what she wrote, unedited:

spring kids 042A Kid’s Thought about Healthcare for America Now!

I am a 10 year old that understands the importance of healthcare for America now. I am writing this article to help kids and others understand why groups and people fight for healthcare. I am going to explain this in the way some kids such as me think. The first reason is it’s the right thing to do. Everyone should have healthcare. If everyone has healthcare them more people can stay on this earth longer and help make the present and future a better place. Also, it feels good to know that you and your loved ones are covered and if there was ever an emergency you wouldn’t have to worry about the big bill. Lastly, fixing the healthcare problem is part of fixing the economy. Fixing the economy helps make a smarter better place to live. I hope this explained some of the reasons that groups and people support healthcare.

A special thank you to Citizen Action of New York for teaching me about and supporting healthcare

By Sage Cihak

POSTED IN » Campaigns, Health Care, Regions, Western New York
About the author: Diana Cihak View all posts by
I am an Organizer at the Western New York office of Citizen Action where my main work is on health care reform. I also love to get involved in elections, train volunteers, and try to push for Green Jobs. I have 3 kids who are 10, 8 and 3 and between them and my crazy job I don't have time for any hobbies or other activities. My family is happy to tell you that I am obsessed by politics and not much else - but I would defend myself by saying I'm pretty obsessed by my amazing kids as well! Follow me on twitter at cdcihak. I do a daily Twitter the Truth for health care - you can help it become viral by passing it on with your twitter or facebook profile!
  • Eve

    Kids often grasp the world at the most basic and therefore truthful level. “The first reason is its the right thing to do. Everyone should have healthcare.” For just a moment, set aside all the complicated policy discussions. Sage hit the nail on the head. It’s simply the right thing to do, so clear that a 10 year old can see that Health Care for All is what is fair- nothing more, nothing less. And yes, health care reform (done right) can help fix the economy too. Nice bonus, huh Sage!?

  • Eve

    Kids often grasp the world at the most basic and therefore truthful level. “The first reason is its the right thing to do. Everyone should have healthcare.” For just a moment, set aside all the complicated policy discussions. Sage hit the nail on the head. It’s simply the right thing to do, so clear that a 10 year old can see that Health Care for All is what is fair- nothing more, nothing less. And yes, health care reform (done right) can help fix the economy too. Nice bonus, huh Sage!?

  • robin

    Go Sage! A kid’s perspective is much clearer then a adults

  • robin

    Go Sage! A kid’s perspective is much clearer then a adults

  • Sherry Byrnes

    Sage– I have the privilege and honor to know your mom and work with her. It is obvious to me that she is (rightly) very proud of you; I am guessing that your youthful wisdom and appreciation of the health care issue is a reflection of your (rightful) pride in the tremendous work your mom does for the betterment of all our community, and especially those who are often not heard or are left behind in our democracy. I am so glad you are moving into the city–you will be helping us work on these things, too, I bet! Your post is very well-written, clear and right. You give me hope for the future! Keep up the good work and have a great school year.

  • Sherry Byrnes

    Sage– I have the privilege and honor to know your mom and work with her. It is obvious to me that she is (rightly) very proud of you; I am guessing that your youthful wisdom and appreciation of the health care issue is a reflection of your (rightful) pride in the tremendous work your mom does for the betterment of all our community, and especially those who are often not heard or are left behind in our democracy. I am so glad you are moving into the city–you will be helping us work on these things, too, I bet! Your post is very well-written, clear and right. You give me hope for the future! Keep up the good work and have a great school year.

  • http://www.freshginger.org/ Ginger

    Woot woot Sage! You said it well! Just keep saying it!

  • http://www.freshginger.org Ginger

    Woot woot Sage! You said it well! Just keep saying it!

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  • http://www.citizenactionny.org/ Citizen Action of NY

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  • Cara Smith

    Great Job Sage! You said it VERY well! Keep up the great work. Di, I am so proud of you also. If only we had strong, dedicated people like you down here in OKC.

  • socialmaker

    I think people need a more personal approach when it comes to doctors. I know i have a doctor which takes care of my problems(prosolution gel) and he is so nice. He always knows me by name, he's friendly and i gladly attent every meeting.

  • newyorkjobs1

    Great Job Sage! You said it VERY well! Keep up the great work.dedicated people like you down here in OKC.

    http://www.staffingpower.com

  • newyorkjobs1

    Great Job Sage! You said it VERY well! Keep up the great work.dedicated people like you down here in OKC.

    http://www.staffingpower.com