Help support state funding for agencies that help others

I am writing in response to the March 4 Clarion article "Rally aims to protect funding." It has inspired me to write my legislators in Juneau and voice my concerns on budget cuts that adversely affect agencies that help the disabled. Why does this concern me, and why do I even care?

Last year, at age 19, I was diagnosed with severe myasthenia gravis. I was a blessed young woman awaiting a world of opportunities: I graduated valedictorian from Skyview High School in 2002, was pursuing a career as a physician, was a student leader at the University of Alaska Anchorage and had a very active lifestyle. Within months, my life was turned around and I was too weak to get out of bed or go to the bathroom on my own, and no longer had the strength to even swallow food. After spending months in the hospital, I was sent home — still too weak to care for myself. No one in my family could afford to quit their full-time jobs to take care of me, and that's when Frontier Community Services of Soldotna stepped in. Because of the care I received (and still am receiving), I am regaining my strength and am back in school, still pursuing a career in medicine!

Our goal as a society should be to make sure everyone is adequately taken care of, including those who cannot care for themselves! This is where the government should come into play.

Legislators are currently considering their annual budget. I encourage everyone who cares about this matter to write their legislators in Juneau. Contact information may be found at www.legis.state.ak.us/.

Summer Engler, Sterling