State Reverses Decision To Pull Home Nurse From Young Stroke Patient
(CBS) – Gov. Pat Quinn has ordered a 180-degree turn following a CBS 2 report on the plight of a young medical patient.
Twenty-year-old Patrick Stein nearly died after a massive stroke on homecoming night 2010 at Loyola Prep Academy.
Patrick's in-home nursing care was discontinued; it was supplied by a state waiver program for the sickest of the sick in Illinois. The state planned to end care since a tube was removed from Patrick's tracheotomy. The family believed the state assessment was wrong.
"I'm asking the state not to quit on me," Patrick said in June with the aid of a computer program.
The governor saw that story.
"It came to the Governor's attention. He saw your story and was moved by this inspirational young man. He asked staff to review the facts. This week there was a thorough assessment. The Governor then directed the state to help the Stein family and provide care," Quinn's administration said in a written statement to CBS 2.
More than 100,000 had signed a Change.org petition urging the state to continue care.
His family believes the victory is not Patrick's alone.
"I hope it sends the message for all the children in this program, who are the sickest children in the state of Illinois -- if we can't take care of them who can we take care of?" Patrick's mother, Colleen, said.
"Thank you governor Quinn," Patrick said, "for giving me a chance."
