From the start of our show, we’ve asked listeners to share stories about navigating the American health care system. Today, David talks with those of you who have had to fight for health care in order to manage chronic illnesses, secure gender-affirming surgeries, and help children receive developmental therapies for Down Syndrome.

Resources from the episode:

• Planned Parenthood transgender identity terms and labels: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/transgender/transgender-identity-terms-and-labels 
• GLAAD transgender glossary of terms: https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender 
• JAMA article on the association between gender-affirming surgery and mental health: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2779429 
• National Down Syndrome Society resources for finding support: https://www.ndss.org/lifespan/finding-support/ 
• National Down Syndrome Congress local and national support networks: https://www.ndsccenter.org/programs-resources/affiliate-organizations/local-and-national-support-networks/ 
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endometriosis resources: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis 
• Johns Hopkins Crohn’s resources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/diseases_conditions/faqs/crohns_disease.html 
• Cancer Care breast cancer resources: https://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis/breast_cancer 

Keep up with David on twitter @CHIDavidSmith. 

Share your feedback!  Email us at costofcare@lemonadamedia.com or leave us a voicemail at 833-453-6662. 

Support for this episode of The Cost of Care comes from Healthline.com, America’s leading digital health brand. Visit healthline.com/costofcare now, and stay connected by following @healthline on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Healthline: Powering healthy actions and supporting you on your journey to well-being.

Support for this podcast comes from The Commonwealth Fund, a health care research foundation working to improve the U.S. health system. Visit commonwealthfund.org/costofcare, and stay connected by following us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Commonwealth Fund: Affordable, quality health care. For everyone.

You can click this link for a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows.

To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/thecostofcare/ shortly after the air date.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.