Hi, my name is Christine Siegel – that is I in the lower photo in the blue shirt, blonde hair, along with my daughter, Erika, at a recent family reunion.  My sister, Tricia is above on her scooter.  We would both have attended the march but for our severely curtailed ability to walk.  Tricia suffers from hip dysplasia, which has resulted in the repair and replacement of both hips several times, and severe congenital problems in both feet.  She can now only walk a few feet unaided.  I have isthmus spondylolisthesis and spondylitis, along with dilated cardiomyopathy, which makes it extremely painful and difficult for me to walk.

Tricia and her husband dread the loss of the insurance covering her husband and her, obtained and affordable only because of the ACA.  They both need consistent medical care to manage several chronic health conditions.

I am now retired from the federal government, but spent years at a federal agency enforcing the ADA.  Discrimination against disabled Americans is rampant.  It does not bode well that short hours after Trump’s swearing in, the white house removed the link for disabled persons on its web page.

Therefore, Tricia and I (and the rest of our four sisters) march with you in spirit.  Please be safe and thank you for all women.