Normally I am very fortunate to be in good health, but I am recovering from pneumonia and the flu. Although not chronic health challenges, they are very real challenges that many face and will prevent me from marching as I had hoped in the LA Women’s March.

I also feel very connected to the disability community because I am a parent of a child with special needs. I consider myself a disability ally. My son with cerebral palsy is a vibrant kid, and we have been very lucky to find a great community of people in Southern California who support us and

provide so many great opportunities for my son to thrive. I wanted to march to raise my voice and be counted among those who believe every resident of the United States should have access to great healthcare, the freedoms afforded by our constitution and the ability to fairly achieve the American Dream.

The new president has given us NO reason to feel good about his intentions or future actions when it comes to protecting the rights and safety of the American people. His reckless behavior can’t be normalized. His lack of decency and lack of humility can’t be tolerated. I want a better leader and example for me and for my children. I hope the new president listens to the real desires and needs of the American people and will change his course to take positive action. Right now I have little faith in his capacity to do so, but I dream that we won’t have to wait for another election or impeachment to make it happen. In the meantime, we as citizens need to stand up and take action to protect each other.

Natalie is a mother of three, in her early 40s, who works as a freelance writer and marketer. She resides in Southern California with her husband and children, but was raised in Missouri and spent much of her adulthood in Chicago.