There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community.  I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.

Our men and women in uniform, along with their families, make incredible sacrifices to serve our country and they deserve our deepest gratitude. This month, I want to recognize Patrick Bibbee from Columbus – the son of an Army Reserve Captain and a child who has overcome huge obstacles in his short life.

Patrick is a twin who was born at only 23 weeks gestation. At 6 days old, Patrick and his sister, Paige, were transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for emergency surgery when a condition caused their bowel tissue to begin to die. Sadly, Paige passed away and Patrick began a series of surgeries to fight for his life.

After enduring eight additional surgeries, surviving nearly every complication a prematurely-born baby can suffer, and spending six months in a neonatal intensive care unit, Patrick was finally cleared as healthy enough to go home with his mother, Amanda. Patrick’s father, Shannon, an Army Reserve captain, was deployed to Iraq during the entire hospitalization. Patrick is now a healthy 2-year-old who likes to listen to music, dance, look at books, and play with his little brother, Dylan.

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Patrick and his family. Meeting children like Patrick and hearing his family’s story firsthand makes me excited to see my TRICARE for Kids legislation become implemented. We need to make sure that military children are receiving the health care that best fits their needs. We owe a great debt to our military families for their service, and stories like Patrick’s inspire me to continue working hard for them.