Lupus Activists Take On Congress to Support Research Funding, Access to Quality & Affordable Care

Lupus activists and warriors are merging upon Capital Hill today to urge Congress to support Lupus research funding and access to affordable, quality care.

I wish I was there to help with the fight.

As a person with a chronic illness, it is so critically important to have quality and affordable health care.

When I was officially diagnosed with Lupus in March of 2014, I did not have full coverage. At the time, I had to opt to get Obama Care, which in turn actually saved me life. Though it only covered about 80% of my medical bills, it allowed me to get the medication I needed to start my Lupus treatments. Had it not been for affordable health care, I would have been in deep limbo. I just remember first being diagnosed, I was in EXTREME amount of pain and my hair was falling out. Being able to get health care was a huge sigh of relief because I knew I would able to get the treatment I needed. As you know, ObamaCare will be replaced. Fortunately, I have full health insurance and had consistent health insurance for the past 10 years. But that doesn’t mean I will be immune later. Unfortunately, many people with chronic illnesses like myself worry about the uncertainty and future of health care.

Today, nearly 200 lupus activists from across the country will visit Capitol Hill and thousands more will join virtually to urge Members of Congress to:

• help advance the development of new lupus treatments;
• increase funding for lupus research and education;
• and ensure people with lupus have access to affordable, quality health coverage and care.

The lupus activist meetings with their legislators are part of the Lupus Foundation of America’s two-day National Policy Summit.

“The National Policy Summit is the most impactful advocacy event of the year as it provides lupus activists the opportunity to meet directly with Members of Congress to share their daily struggles with the disease, and demonstrate the urgent need to step up the fight against lupus.”

“At a time when health care is top of mind for Congress, lupus activists from all over the country will meet with our nation’s leaders to urge them not only to increase funding for research, but also to ensure they have access to the quality and affordable care they need.” 

-Sandra C. Raymond, President and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America

If you were unable to make it like myself, you can participate virtually and tweeting using the hashtag #LupusAdvocacy

Join the fight for Lupus research!