WHY I MARCH

Afflicted with a Panic/Anxiety Disorder for 15 years now, I am unable to participate in stressful events, such as a live protest.  But, I want my voice heard.

I am particularly concerned about healthcare in the USA. I am an advocate for Healthcare For All via a Single Payer system.

My husband’s life was saved after a Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, because we could get on an ACA plan. Neither lack of employer-provided insurance,  job loss, finances, nor pre-existing conditions would prevent him from care. So, he is with us today. Cancer free.

How many people do you personally know who have cancer, have a chronic illness, who are disabled, have a mental condition? Without the protections of the ACA, they will be lost. In the wealthiest nation in the world, with some of the greatest advances in medicine. A nation proclaiming to be Christian. This is unacceptable. So, I march. Join me.

The woman in the photo was me, 14 years ago. I had just passed through the pit of my illness with anxiety/panic disorder. I do not look sick. My 5 yr old daughter hugs my neck. She knew what a very sick mommy looks like.

While not obvious, my disease is real.

The kindest words ever spoken to me about my condition were this, “If Dana Venable has a mental illness, it’s OK to have a mental illness.” It is OK. There is help and hope. But, we, as a nation, must care.

Support Healthcare For All. No excuses.

#WeThePeople

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Thank you for helping me march on Jan 21st.