Quality of Life

RIPON, Wis (WRPN/WAUH)-State Senator John Jagler says some of the most meaningful legislation comes out of constituent contacts. Such was the case four years ago when a family approached him about creating legislation to help out their young son.

Malix has Down Syndrome and at the time needed a heart transplant but was denied it because doctors didn’t think his Down Syndrome would allow him to have a “good quality of life.” The family asked doctors what they could do about it and they were told “change the law.”

That angered Senator Jagler whose daughter Grace also has Down Syndrome. Jagler worked with State Representative Mark Born on a bill that made it crystal clear that everyone deserves the right to life-saving medical care. It got unanimous bipartisan support in the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Evers in December of 2021.

Malix recovered from his heart condition. Recently Jagler received a text from Malix’s family along with a photo of Malix enjoying his “quality of life” by receiving a piggyback ride from future Hall-of-Fame Quarterback Tom Brady.

Photo credit: Senator John Jagler’s Office.