The nature of living with chronic illness dictates that I’m always looking into the future in anticipation of the worst case scenario. At any moment, decisions made by others can have a profound and lasting impact on my life, affecting all areas of my health and wellbeing.
I work for Pine Lake Fund, an organization that purports to support people with disabilities. On 9/24/2026, the Pine Lake Fund Board of Directors approved a policy change that will strip me of all of my full time benefits, most notably MY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE.
I have been working full time at 32 hours per week which afforded me benefits eligibility. The policy change will take effect after 10/31/2026, and benefits will only be available for employees who work 40 hours per week. I was also informed that Pine Lake Fund will not allow me to work 40 hours per week.
Despite having foreknowledge of the impact on disabled employees like me, The Board of Directors made the decision to strip medically disabled employees like me of their ability to access health coverage. This is a violent and ableist act and is in direct contradiction of the stated mission and values of the organization.
You may have noticed that the policy change takes effect after 10/31/2026 as we enter November, which is Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s pretty fucked up to take away health coverage from a diabetic person on the eve of Diabetes Awareness Month, isn’t it? Yet, here we are. Welcome to the Nonprofit Industrial Complex, baby! This is healthcare under Capitalism!
You can help support me in this transition by preordering KZOO FILM PHOTO ISSUE 12: A Diabetic Perspective on Healthcare Under Capitalism Vol. 03 today (if you’re a subscriber, don’t preorder or you’ll get two copies). The issue will be launched on World Diabetes Day on November 14 at the AADL Printmaking Festival and later in the month at the issue release party (date TBD).
You can also help by purchasing this new risograph print that is pictured below, or any thing else in my online store.
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