Community Corner

The Battle for Aria's Heart Pushes On: National Media Attention Takes Its Toll But Won't Break the Schillings

From ABC News New York to CNN and AOL, Aria Schilling's family have interviewed for more than a dozen stories, reportedly landing on deaf ears at their insurance company. So they still wait and pray for an answer.

The story of Aria Schilling has gone viral throughout the nation, even reaching parts of Canada. Though she should be one-week post open-heart surgery today, her parents are still waiting with hope that the insurance company will change their mind.

“We are hoping that they will agree to letting us go to Oakland Children's Hospital,” said mother Briggette Schilling, “At this point we have no confidence in UCD pertaining to their cardiac division, and due to discrepancy in UCDMC doctor’s notes and the significantly varied action plan from our current doctor, our case may be eligible for an independent review.”

Read the full story on Aria Schilling’s battle for heart surgery here.

Find out what's happening in Elk Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

From ABC News to AOL to medical watchdog sites, the Schilling Family has endured more than a dozen press interviews, hoping that media pressure would make Western Health Advantage allow Aria’s surgery to proceed as scheduled, after their slip-out reportedly sent her to an out of network provider.

“This has just taken a toll on us as a family, the emotional toll is overwhelming; I can't even imagine starting our journey all over again and replanning an open heart surgery,” Briggette admitted, “I can now see how things like this can tear a couple/family apart, and I thank God everyday that Johan is my backbone and support!”

Find out what's happening in Elk Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Even though she says the stress and anxiety are nearly unbearable at times, Schilling stands firm that they will not take Aria back to UCD, and will change insurance companies during open enrollment if WHA refuses to budge.

“Because WHA did this we have to start all over now anyway so it isn't like this can be done tomorrow,” she explained, “An open-heart surgery takes awhile to plan. It is just a very sad place for us to be in, not to mention the anticipation of more surgeries in her future do to her other heart anomalies. So now we wait for a phone call and pray!”    

Here is a sampling of the national coverage the Schilling Family has received while they wait for an answer. CNN, ABC News New York, nearly all of the Sacramento News stations, and more have reached out, all asking the same question with no answer: If WHA paid for the last 10-months of doctors visits, why would they not cover the surgery with the same doctor?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Elk Grove