I was born with cystic fibrosis, a severe, lifelong illness that affects my lungs, liver, pancreas and more. Medicaid is not just helpful for me — it’s my lifeline and the reason I’m still alive. I take over 20 medications a day. Just one of them — my most critical — costs $250,000 a year. Without Medicaid covering my copays and other expenses, I couldn’t afford the care that keeps me alive.

Because of complications like liver disease, diabetes and arthritis, I’m often hospitalized. I rely on a team of specialists to manage these conditions and preserve what little quality of life I have left. I can no longer work due to the degenerative nature of my illness, so I depend entirely on Medicaid.

I fight every single day to stay alive. But without Medicaid, I’d lose that fight. That’s why I’m begging Sen. Susan Collins to not support any budget that includes Medicaid cuts. These cuts wouldn’t just hurt Mainers — they’d kill us. Slashing Medicaid means people like me are forced to choose between survival and bankruptcy. That’s not a choice anyone should have to make.

If Sen. Collins cares about her constituents — who have chronic illnesses, disabilities and complex medical needs — she must stand up for us and protect Medicaid. Our lives depend on it.

Nicole Reynolds-Liston
Limerick