When Megan N. found out she was pregnant, she couldn’t have imagined how much strength the coming months would require.
At the time, she was working as a medical receptionist in Vassalboro, Maine, living with Brayden’s father, and dealing with relentless morning sickness. But as her pregnancy progressed, the challenges multiplied. Brayden’s father wasn’t ready for parenthood, and Megan made the difficult decision to separate and move back in with her parents, an hour away from work. With her health deteriorating and the commute untenable, she was forced to leave her job.
A Devastating Diagnosis
At just ten weeks pregnant, a chromosomal screening flagged a possible complication. Megan, overwhelmed and uncertain, put the worry aside until her 20-week ultrasound brought devastating news. The baby, thankfully, was doing fine. But Megan wasn’t. Doctors discovered a massive growth in her chest. She was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Megan delivered Brayden early via C-section. Just five days after his birth, she began aggressive chemotherapy — six grueling rounds over four and a half months, each lasting nearly 100 hours. Brayden spent his first month in the NICU, cared for by pediatricians and shielded by immunizations, while his mother fought for her life nearby.
The Lifeline of Medicaid
In the face of unthinkable medical and emotional strain, Medicaid was Megan’s safety net. Without it, she says plainly, they could never have afforded the care they both needed. “Brayden would have started life in debt,” she reflects. “Or one of us would not have gotten the care we needed.” But with Medicaid, Megan has a healthy son, and Brayden has a healthy mom.
From Surviving to Advocating
Today, the two of them live in Lisbon, Maine. Megan is thriving as a Parent Ambassador and Brayden is flourishing in Early Head Start. They benefit from a range of supportive programs including food and nutrition services, diaper banks, child care assistance, and more. Megan has found mental health care to process her trauma, and through public support systems, she’s rebuilding her life with purpose and determination.
That’s why Megan and Brayden joined Strolling Thunder™, a national event powered by ZERO TO THREE’s Think Babies™ initiative. Their presence on Capitol Hill is more than symbolic, it’s a powerful call to action. By sharing their story, they’re urging Congress to protect Medicaid and ensure that no baby or parent is left behind when life takes an unexpected turn.
