Why stories make an impact
Every care story is unique, but together they create the bigger picture of what care in America truly looks like, and what those who need care and provide care need. Each story is a piece of the puzzle – when combined, they show the full view of how care sustains our lives, families, and communities.
That’s why sharing our stories is one of the most powerful tools we have. They remind us we’re not alone, they connect us to each other, and they turn what can feel invisible into something undeniable.
Right now, this matters more than ever. Recent cuts to Medicaid are being justified with abstract numbers and talking points, ignoring the real impact on people’s lives–the humans behind these cuts. But when we tell the world exactly how Medicaid keeps us healthy, independent, and able to care for our loved ones, we cut through the political noise. We show the truth.
This was powerfully clear during our recent 60-hour Medicaid vigil, where stories poured in day and night.
What’s at stake for real people
Angela shared what Medicaid and the recent cuts meant to her as someone who depends on daily attendant care that helps her live independently and continue her advocacy work:
“Medicaid is so important to me because it allows me to have an attendant come in twice a day, seven days a week to help me with my activities at Bayley Living including getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, toileting, just to name a few. I’m also a social worker, I have my master’s degree and I do advocacy work on a daily basis on behalf of myself and others with disabilities…I essentially am Medicaid, so if you cut Medicaid, you’re telling me that my life and the work I do for people with disabilities aren’t important.”
Jerred from New Mexico told us how Medicaid made it possible to keep his own healthcare when his mom entered hospice:
“When Mom went onto hospice, my partner and I were able to get Medicaid because full-time care meant neither of us could sustain our careers. Medicaid made it possible for us to seek healthcare even as we stewarded my Mom to the other side. Medicaid allowed my partner and I to have some dignity in the face of being otherwise disregarded as caregivers. It is small graces like this that shine on after she has passed—at least we had Medicaid to staunch the wound.”
For Linda from California, she shared how Medicaid is the difference between survival and suffering:
“I have a terminal illness… Without assistance from insurance (Medicaid), life would be miserable and intolerable… Every human being deserves to be treated with care and dignity.”
And for Chris from Georgia spoke about the essential role of caregivers for his daughter:
“Without caregivers my daughter would be isolated. Cutting these services would devastate our family. People with disabilities deserve safe, happy lives too—institutionalizing is not the answer.”
We’ve heard a lot of talk from legislators about why cuts to Medicaid are a good thing and nothing about the pain that the cuts will bring to families, communities, and livelihoods. But these stories make it clear that all of our lives are impacted by this cruel policy decision. They remind us that every individual experience is part of a larger whole. Alone, one voice might feel small. But together, they form a fabric of resilience that cannot be ignored.
Building movements through our stories
Every day, millions of us give and receive care, weaving together the support systems that sustain our communities.
Recognizing yourself as someone giving or receiving care means claiming a place in a larger movement. Our stories link us to a vast network of families, friends, neighbors, and advocates who know that care is community.
As Kris (@LifeWithGrams and 2022 Care Fellow) said in a blog she wrote for us last year:
“It’s easy to feel isolated as a caregiver, but when we open up, we allow others to do the same.”
Sharing your story is an act of connection and a window to truth that only you can open. And right now, when care is facing unprecedented threats, your story can make our collective care story stronger.
Together, our stories help journalists and media give the full picture of care in America, force legislators to face the people they’re supposed to serve, and remind each other we’re not alone in this. This is how we build movements: one story at a time, each one essential, all of us together.
Interested in sharing your story? Submit a written story or share a video. Your stories help people feel seen and can be featured on Caring Across Generations’ campaigns.
