I just sent my letters to my Congressman and the Senators from New Jersey.  Please consider writing your representation as well, it is easy to do and available online.  You can find those website links and sample letters on this page of our site.  There is also already over 100 signatures on our petition which is fantastic for just one day’s work.  Keep it up!

Below is the letter I sent to my congressman, Chris Smith.   

December 3, 2009

Dear Congressman Smith,

I am an advocate for children’s health needs and the father of a chronically ill child.  My daughter Arden is four years old and a type I diabetic.  You may know that Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey is currently planning on removing The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) from their in-network coverage effective March 11, 2009.  Arden’s health, welfare and quality of life will be irrevocably harmed if she is unable to continue receiving  the world-class medical care that she presently gets at CHOP.

I implore you to do everything that the power and influence of your position allows to stop this from happening.  Please make sure that Arden and countless other sick New Jersey children do not lose this irreplaceable healthcare resource.  In a life full of medical struggles, the one bright spot some children have is that they live near our country’s preeminent children’s hospital.  If Horizon is allowed to drop CHOP the financial burden to their families will be immense. Many will not be able to find a way to pay the extra cost and they will be forced to seek care at other, less able institutions.

I am not sure what it says that some people are so willing to put profits above the health and happiness of our state’s children but count this letter as coming from a person that is unwilling to let that happen.  I will do everything in my power to unite like-minded people and oppose this heartless move by Horizon and it’s President and CEO William J. Marino.

I am a constituent, Arden is a constituent and we desperately require your help.  I am currently directing my efforts online to try and change this course of action.  I’ve already set up a petition, posted videos explaining the issue, am gathering support on social networking sites and  started a letter writing campaign.  Currently, I’m contacting my representation and will begin writing various New Jersey newspapers in the coming days.  Please visit Arden’s website www.ardensday.com if you are interested in following our progress.

I can’t stress enough the negative impact that this will have on my daughter and the other children of our state.  Please do your best to right this wrong.

Kind Regards,

Scott R. Benner