It's a labor of love that has lasted 37 years for Barbara Morgan. "It is 24-7," the Clinton mother says. "They told us she wouldn't live 30 days. Just to bring her home and love her." That was 1972. Morgan's youngest child, Michelle, has been fighting for her life, ever since. With a list of medical problems, including cerebral palsy and autism, round the clock care is the only option. "We have to have the help and services," Morgan says. "We can't do it alone."
With the state's proposed budget cuts to disabled and special needs patients, Morgan's care will be slashed by at least half. "I was devastated. I thought what in the world are we going to do?" It's why the Clinton family is fighting back. They're teaming up with 3 other upstate families to sue Governor Mark Sanford, and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. The suit, filed by attornies in Columbia, Spartanburg, and Charleston, claims the cuts violate the Americans With Disabilties Act, by denying those like Michelle the at-home care they deserve. "It's not right," says Morgan. "This is our daughter. She's not just a number."
State leaders claim the cuts are not final, but the Morgan's have no time to wait. They say their labor of love is now for their daughter, and many others, who can't fight for themselves. "We're not going to give up. We'll keep plugging at it," Morgan says. "Good Lord willing we'll see her through."
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