Young Kentucky patient advocates for better child health care policies

An 11-year-old Kentucky resident is spending time in our nation’s capitol this week, advocating for better child health care policies.

Scharnese Cook joined dozens of other young patients for the Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Cook is representing Norton Children’s Hospital for the annual event, which was created to help raise awareness of the challenges children and their families face amid an evolving health care system.

When Cook was just 8 years old, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and later underwent a heart transplant. Three years later, she is celebrating her 11th birthday in the nation’s capital and sharing her personal story with lawmakers.

During her time in D.C., Cook met with several leaders, including Kentucky congressman John Yarmuth, Indiana congressman Trey Hollingsworth and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Photo courtesy: @McConnellPress

Photo courtesy: Norton Children’s

Photo courtesy: Norton Children’s

Photo courtesy: Norton Children’s

Watch our interview with Cook and her mother, Shilese: