KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffHealthcare in America: Where do the Candidates Stand and How it Affects One Local Woman

Healthcare in America: Where do the Candidates Stand and How it Affects One Local Woman

Healthcare in America: Where do the Candidates Stand and How it Affects One Local Woman
By: Lauren Keith

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. - When the presidential campaign kicked into high gear, there was a lot of talk during the primaries about the pros and cons of a universsal healthcare plan, but now the campaign shifted to the economy.

Still, some would argue healthcare in America is just as shaky as the uncertain economy.  One Poplar Bluff woman knows that firsthand.  She says she can't afford health insurance.  Now, she's in the middle of her own healthcare crisis.  A warning--some of the video in this piece could be viewed as graphic.

"All I remember is seeing a pool of blood," says Dena Campbell.

In September of last year, Heartland News told you the story of Dena Campbell's encounter with a runaway car.  It's an encounter that changed her life forever.

Dena and her daughter were riding along in their friend's car when a truck pulled into their lane on I-57 near Sikeston.  To avoid impact, driver Janie Nothdurft pulled into the median, but a lip in the road flipped her car on its top.

"We skidded 75 feet on our top on the interstate," said Dena, recalling the events.

"It looked like a wrecking ball had just dropped on passenger side.  Seat belts saved our lives," said Janie.

Janie as well as Dena's daughter both walked away with minor injuries.  Dena did not.  Her head swelled to almost three times its normal size.

"If I'd been a hair taller, I wouldn't be sitting here today.  I'm not glad I had a wreck, but I'm glad I'm alive," said Dena.

More than a year later, she still lives with a drastically different appearance.  Dena often endures pain and continues suffering from memory loss and nerve damage.

What's more....Dena's benefits are running out.  She wants to get a job, but her doctor still feels she's not ready to go back to work.  Both Medicaid and Social Security Disability recently stopped payments.  A medical review team says Dena isn't *permanently* disabled, and therefore ended her funds.  Meantime, Social Security goes on to say "she is not disabled."  One look at Dena, and you can see why she begs to differ.

"It's very unfair.  I see people who get disability and Medicaid all of the time who don't need it.  I don't want to be on this stuff, but I have to be," she said.

A judge also ordered Dena's 12-year-old son to now live with his father while Dena recuperates. She moved in with her friend Janie, who drives Dena to doctor's appointments and helps Dena stay on top of her dozens of daily medications.

"My best friend is just not the she used to be, and I miss that person," saie Janie.

"I just don't see a light at the end of the tunnel," said Dena.

"Healthcare in America is a real problem.  That's a huge concern for me, as well as the economy, since I'm a small business owner," Janie said.

"With a new president and new state leaders, I hope something is changed so people like me can get the benefits we need, so I can get back to work even sooner," Dena said.

If you'd like to contact Dena Campbell, reporter Lauren Keith can put you in touch with her. Email Lauren at lkeith@kfvs12.com

Also, be sure to see the additional web extra information below showing you where both presidential candidates stand on healthcare or visit the presidential candidates section on Heartlandvotes.com for more information on where the candidates stand on national issues.

Barack Obama's healthcare plan

John McCain's healthcare plan