I once again had the privilege of representing the bleeding disorder community at Fall Advocacy Days. A lot has changed in my life since the inaugural Fall Advocacy Days in 2024. However, I am always happy to step up to share the necessity of funding the Genetically Handicapped Persons Program and California Children’s Services. Especially now as legislative budgets are becoming a national conversation.
In terms of changes, I am now across the country and a first-year Industrial and Systems Engineering student at the Georgia Tech. Since coming to campus, I’ve gotten involved with Health Systems research, where I’m combining my interests in healthcare and public policy. I’ve also joined a consulting club where I’ve worked to support a non-profit in increasing access to social services and combating intergenerational poverty.
For the projects I have joined in college thus far, I cite being a BDCC Future Leader as my spark for being passionate about health equity issues and learning how to share my story to make meaningful change in the world. I promise those skills we learn in the workshops we have before Legislative Days really are helpful to becoming an advocate for all types of issues!
This year looked a bit different since I was on Zoom instead of visiting their offices in person. I appreciate the Council for accommodating me being involved from a distance, and I’m thankful I still get the opportunity to represent people with bleeding disorders as a constituent. I personally love Fall Advocacy Days because I am able to fit the meetings with my legislators in during breaks between classes so I am able to continue advocating while I pursue my education.
During Fall Advocacy Days 2025, I was able to personally speak to Perry Nielsen Jr from Congressman Sam Liccardo’s office and Connor Anderson from Senator Becker’s office. Both conversations were productive and I was able to share more information about the necessity of Factor VIII medications and the high costs associated that get covered by the programs we support.
It is rewarding to see my growth as an individual through my years advocating with the BDCC, and I hope to continue giving my time to the organization for years to come. The fight isn’t over and we must continue our fight for everyone affected by bleeding disorders.
