NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Blending in is what Michelle Prichard tries to do, but her story makes her stand out. She's a woman who is grateful to be standing at all.
A local woman missing a leg, says insurance companies are missing the mark.
Like so many, Michelle Prichard hoped Nashville would bring her a music career, but what she hadn't planned for was the high costs Tennessee would bring to an amputee.
"I've had it since I was 18 months old, so I really don't know any different," said Michelle Prichard, Amputee and Advocate.
Prichard is a consummate crusader and newlywed. She and her husband, Jared are embarking on a new journey, demonstrating to insurance providers why walking should not be labeled a luxury.
Prichard is metaphorically marching to Capitol Hill, to Tennessee's House and Senate. She is spreading a message, so that medical coverage here might be broadened to include pricey, prosthetic equipment. First, however, she needs a new right leg, a $30,000 investment, that will not be covered by insurance.
"We live an average life, and it doesn't matter what kind of life your live, if you're rich or poor, it should be covered regardless," said Michelle Prichard.
Michelle spear-headed her own event to raise money to raise awareness of what the Amputee Coalition of America calls a growing problem. Michelle said she refuses to let the problem define her.
"She doesn't complain," said Jared Prichard.
Advocates say change for Tennessee amputees is months, if not years, down the road.
Michelle says lawmakers are already working to change things in Tennessee. She is hoping for the law to pass in 2009.
Michelle Prichard needs $30,000 for a new leg, but insurance will not cover it.
