Patricia Womac

Seven year-old Hannah suffers from Rett Syndrome, a devastating genetic disorder. Due to her difficulty breathing, frequent seizures, and inability to talk or walk, Hannah receives nursing through TennCare. In 2009, TennCare told Patricia that they were going to stop covering Hannah’s nursing. When Ms. Womac learned about the reduction, she filed an appeal to keep Hannah’s nursing hours. Then, she called TJC. She explained that every few months, TennCare tries to reduce Hannah’s nursing. Each time, Ms. Womac must go to court, and each time the judge orders TennCare to keep providing the nursing Hannah needs. To stop this exhausting cycle, TJC wrote a letter to the state’s lawyers. They agreed, and Hannah’s nursing services have continued.

Photo Credit: Jim Hagans