Parents are familiar with testing the limits of their abilities when it comes to raising a child. But for a small group in Massachusetts that means filling a role they may not be prepared to play - that of nurse and caretaker. Noelia Ferreira is one of those parents.
The Dracut mother has been attending round the clock to her 15-year old daughter Abi, who was born with a rare genetic condition that affects her development. Abi is partially deaf and blind, suffers from seizures and requires a feeding tube and air machine in order to live. The last time Noelia had help
from a nurse was more than 100 days ago.
Her story was profiled by Jenna Russell in the Boston Globe.
Abi and other kids in her situation depend on MassHealth to provide care. It's a struggle shared by hundreds of families across the state, and one that has spurred action.
Angela Ortiz is one of the parents hoping to get the attention of state leaders. Her daughter Ayla was also born with serious health problems and needs constant care, so she gathered a group of parents and founded the Massachusetts Pediatric Home Nursing Care Campaign to raise awareness. Noelia and Angela join Jim.
