I never thought I’d join a protest. I’m not physically healthy enough to “march”, let alone travel to the closest Women’s March site.

I’m mainly joining the march because I don’t believe in striking down an established system without a solid plan B to replace it with.

I’m joining because I’m a single, disabled woman – and it’s ridiculously hard to live like that.

I’m joining because after graduating undergrad at age 23 I was not able to get any health insurance due to my progressively worsening chronic health problems – which means that I had to go without medication for illnesses I’ve had since childhood. If anything, those of us who are young, fundamentally ill, and trying so hard to be a functional member of society should be among the first to be covered.

I’m joining because the Affordable Care Act worked for me. I finally managed to get coverage about a year and a half ago at age 32. I applied for disability after losing a full time job in my field because my body finally gave out after fighting to pass as normal since age 16. When I officially received disability and SSI funds starting in March of 2016 I was able to move out of my mom’s place – a house that made me sicker – and into my own apartment, where I can concentrate on getting better and possibly reentering the workforce. The picture I’ve attached is of me, 34, moments after signing the lease to my place on August 15^th, 2016.

I’m joining because, if I lose my coverage, I’ll have to move back in with my mother and get sicker again – and possibly never recover.

Bio: I graduated from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 2005 with my BS in Psychology. I planned to become a professor and did about three years of graduate work in experimental psychology at California State University – San Bernardino before having to leave due to poorly treated bipolar disorder. I then did any job I could hold down until my severe food and environmental allergies left me too reactive to work. I am now being tested for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and figuring out how to be a valuable member of society while disabled. My prognosis is unknown.