Victory for Ian Pearl

I wanted to follow-up on a story that I referenced in a previous post about Ian Pearl, as belated as this may be. Ian, who has muscular dystrophy, was set to have his life sustaining coverage ended this Tuesday, December 1, 2009, if it weren't for those who rallied behind him to fight his insurance company, Guardian.

On October 14, The Washington Times broke the story about Guardian's plan to deny coverage to Pearl. In his defence, Ian posted a blog on the Huffington Post entitled "I Am Not a Dog" on October19. Three days later, Guardian issued a press release acknowledging that it would be a mistake to deny Pearl and others coverage. Ian's mother, Susan, wrote a letter to the editor of The Washington Times, thanking journalist William Ehart for writing the story about her son.

The national attention garnered by the article has led to the drafting of a bill by the New York State legislature which may become known as "Ian's Law." Such a law would ensure that members who have high insurance claims cannot be denied coverage.

Four people and fifteen links

Mark E. Smith is a 38 year-old with cerebral palsy. He is the author of several books and founding editor of WheelchairJunkie.com.  On his website he maintains a blog entitled PowerchairDiaries. He is also manager of Pride Mobility Products, a wheelchair manufacturer. Thank you to Debbie for informing me of Mark's blog and his incredible story.

Ian Pearl, a Huffington Post blogger with Muscular Dystrophy has made the headlines recently in his fight against his health insurance company, Guardian. But it is not just a fight with his insurance company, it is a fight for his life! I am rooting for you, Ian! (A full post on this coming soon.)

Nancy Mairs has written several books and essays, the majority of which are devoted to what life is like with Multiple Sclerosis.

Shiloh Pepin, more famously known as "mermaid girl" was born with Sirenomelia or mermaid syndrome. Sadly, she died Friday, October 23rd at the age of 10 do to complications from pneumonia. May you rest in peace, Shiloh.