Peter sent us on our way with a crystal from his store which dangled above the GPS unit that guided us 17,620 miles. Amanda made us a mix CD for the long drives. Jessica gave us one of her handcrafted mini dream-catchers that hung on a cabinet knob all summer. Sister Mary Ellen sent us with her favorite bumper sticker (now ours too) that’s held a special place above the RV’s side door: “Our national health plan: Don’t get sick!”

Tangible reminders of the people we met on this summer-long journey to document health care experiences across America decorate the office/abode/vehicle we’ve called home for nearly four months.

We captured 100 Americans on film talking frankly – and bravely – about their health care situations. Often people told us, “I shared my story – but I didn’t think anyone was actually listening,” until a giant blue RV and camera crew showed up at their homes to let them know their stories are being heard, and they matter.

One woman said that sending in her story was like throwing a pebble in a pond, but having a means to tell it in her own voice to the world felt more like throwing a rock, making bigger ripples.

In that case, we’ve gathered a big pile of big rocks – ammunition for the fight for health care reform, as we see it.

Struggling small business owners for whom insurance costs are crippling, if attainable at all. Retirees being forced back to work strictly for the health benefits. Families breaking their budgets for health insurance they can’t afford to use. Patients who thought they were covered – until they actually tried to use their insurance.

One man or woman telling their story represents a whole slew of Americans with the same problems. And like it or not, we are all in this together when it comes to fixing this country’s health care system. If our elected officials aren’t working to fix the kind of problems that Dave and Cindy and Michelle talked about, then they’re not really serious about health care reform

As the on-the-road portion of the Cover America Tour comes to an end this week, our on-the-ground work is just heating up. Forty-eight days away from the 2008 elections, the countdown has candidates vying for 435 House seats, 33 Senate seats and one important spot in the Oval Office. They may disagree on just about everything else, but most of those running for office agree that this is the time to fix the broken health care system failing so many Americans.

We’re going to Washington to hold them to it – and we’ll be bringing your stories with us.

del.icio.us Digg It Google Windows Live Yahoo MyWeb

comments (2)

Comments

1 Posted by Morgan at 09/18/08 06:46 PM

Way to go, you guys rock!!! Congrats! 17,620 miles of making a difference!!!!

2 Posted by Chuck Engborg at 09/23/08 05:06 AM

Thank you all for the opportunity to let us tell our stories and get them out to the public. You all did a fantastic job and it was an honor meeting you.

Post a comment