Nuns On The Bus

I joined NETWORK because I believe in the Grassroots initiatives. I’m a firm believer in investing in the Democratic process and bringing about change from the ground up. My dad passed away from cancer when I was 10 years old, and I witnessed firsthand the inequities of our health care system. Despite my dad losing his battle to cancer, my family was still plagued with financial concerns. Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy for all people in the U.S. regardless of race. It makes me wonder how this can be. As one of the most developed countries in the world, how are we leaving so many people behind? One of the things about a cancer diagnosis is it brings you into a community with so many others affected by this disease. It’s this experience that drives me to work for a future where no one must watch a loved one deteriorate due to a lack of access to care. Fighting a disease is a multifaceted issue: as groceries become more expensive, how do you afford them in a newly one-income household after losing a loved one? What if you’re living in an area that is far away from a cancer treatment center? My family’s experience formed my belief that we should all have access to the resources we need to thrive regardless of the circumstances we face. No matter where you live, the color of your skin, the money in your pocket, we all deserve the freedom to be healthy. It is challenges like these that remind us of the importance of Grassroots movements and advocating for a more equitable society where everyone can thrive, especially those facing the most significant challenges.