Mysa Santos

Mysa's Story
Ten months ago Mysa Santos, a veteran and retired New Jersey State employee, lost her health insurance. While this happens daily in the US, for Mysa it was life shattering given the fact she has been living with Multiple Sclerosis or MS for over 20 years. Because MS attacks the nervous system impairing normal functions like sight, sound, sensation, and mobility, Mysa was forced into disability and an early retirement. A combination of the recession, the State of New Jersey cutting its budget, and a simple oversight caused a perfect storm that caused Mysa to be dropped from her benefits. Unfortunately for Mysa, stress exacerbates the symptoms of MS, and she became trapped in an endless cycle of pain without having the availability to cope with it.
Every day for 10 months, Mysa Santos sought assistance from her community. She wrote letters to her Senator Dianne Allen. She got friends to drive her to the state capitol. She contacted the MS Society. She phoned countless state agencies. All to no avail. The stress became incapacitating as her MS medications began to run out.
Mysa's determination and persistence finally resulted in the reinstatement of her coverage with Medicare, allowing her access to proper healthcare and medications. Unfortunately, her coverage changed and her out of pocket expenses increased tenfold. During the 10 month span Mrs. Santos did not have coverage, her medical bills began piling up to the extent she is now on the verge of losing her home.
Mysa is a very persistent and optimistic woman, but her spirit for humanity is dwindling. Her belief now is that people just don't care, and they are only out for one thing: satisfying their own agendas. Mysa's friends tell her to not give up hope, things will improve, and that someone will help.
LNV Group is pleased to host this event and hopes it restores Santos' spirit.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• multiple sclerosis
• MS
• fitness
• art
• Philadelphia
• Party
• 1st Friday's
• Olde City
• diane allen
• chris christy
• disability benefits
• ssi
• social security