A Bay area 12-year-old who has fought more battles than many of us could ever imagine is preparing to take part in the health care debate on Capitol Hill, and using her voice to prompt change.

  • Natalia Ricabal diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma at age 8
  • Ricabal's family continues to count on Medicaid
  • Family joins St. Joseph's staff to talk to lawmakers

Natalia Ricabal was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, when she was eight years old.

"When they said it was cancer I was terrorized, in shock, I couldn't believe it," said Natalia’s mom. Amy Ricabal.

Natalia successfully fought back her condition, and is now cancer-free. Her journey in regards to health care, however, is far from over.

"After you have cancer you do have to have multiple follow-ups and procedures and Medicaid covers all of it," said Amy. "It's been a lifeline."

The Ricabal family has counted on Medicaid funding for countless surgeries and procedures, and will continue to rely on it for future treatments. They are heading to Washington D.C. to urge Congress to protect Medicaid funding.
 
"If I didn't have it, I wouldn't be here," Natalia said. "I wouldn't be able to walk, I wouldn't be able to do the things I do."

In addition, the family will be joined by staff from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to meet with Bay Area lawmakers to talk about the importance of health care funding.

"The stakes couldn't be higher to understand what Medicaid does and what it doesn't," said St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s Director of Government Relations Keri Eisenbeis. "There are lots of opportunities to improve and refine the Affordable Care Act. We don't want to go backwards and certainly not with our most vulnerable populations."

Eisenbeis said 60-70 percent of patients at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital are covered by Medicaid and cuts could affect millions of kids.

The group hopes lawmakers will see Natalia’s face and remember her story when making potentially life-changing decisions. Natalia will be one of 50 pediatric patients from across the country that are heading to D.C. as part of the Children’s Hospital Association’s annual Family Advocacy Day.

"It's very life-changing to have a diagnosis of cancer, not only emotionally but financially and physically for her, because your child will change forever," Amy said.