I am participating in this walk because I am a 46-year-old woman with NUMEROUS pre-existing conditions, such as having a heart transplant 25 years ago, a replaced tricuspid valve in that heart, and a chunk of my neck replaced.  I know what it is like to have to worry about health insurance coverage and about paying for it, medical care, and the medicines I need to stay alive. I worry about keeping my disability benefits, since my medical issues would prevent my getting back into the workforce to get insurance. I also am a lifelong feminist and student/teacher of history who knows that we must continue our progression forward in terms of civil rights for all, full equality for women, using science to preserve our earth, and in caring for each other.

I am a 46-year old full-time mother, wife, volunteer, and patient.  I earned a B.A. and M.A. In history and an M.A. in education.  I have been a high school history teacher, worked in the non-profit works, been a freelance writer, am a longtime speaker for organ donation, and volunteer for multiple organizations.  I had few problems for the first 19 years after my heart transplant but have had many medical issues since then, although you cannot tell it by looking at me.