To my representatives in Congress

As I prepare for surgery number 2 in the coming weeks, I feel compelled to share the letter I wrote to Colorado Senator Cory Gardner in regards, to my current concerns with the attempt to repeal the ACA. Enjoy and feel free to share. They need to hear our stories and hear us, we the people!

Senator Gardner,

I hope you have had an excellent week. Unfortunately, this letter is taking twice as long to write due to the fact that I have just learned yesterday that I have a fluid filled cyst on my brain that due to new tumor growth is now putting pressure on my motor cortex causing weakness on my left side. I now have to use a cane to walk as a result of weakness, can only type with one hand and am preparing for my second brain surgery. I am 32 years old. As you are aware based on my past letters, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014. Thankfully, all this can be remedied with surgery, but the new tumor is more aggressive than the last and there is the possibility of having to have to do chemo again. On top of that, I will likely have a long and challenging recovery involving PT, speech and OT for several months, maybe in an inpatient rehab setting. The cost of all of this is sure to be incredible and I will likely end up paying a significant amount to cover costs. The good news is that this surgery will be covered under the provisions of the ACA, but if the tumor comes back in a year or two, who knows.

I am concerned with the recent release of the GOP proposal for the replacement plan on the ACA, as it looks to benefit the young, the wealthy and the insurers but not the elderly, the sick or the poor. I am young, but I am sick and if this bill is allowed to pass I will likely not be able to afford coverage under my husbands employer plan.  You see, I am now on disability as a result of my deteriorating situation. I want to go back to work in the future because surviving on my husband’s income and my meager disability check is not enough to pay the bills forever. As I’m sure you are aware, this bill does away with large companies being required to provide their employees with coverage. This is unethical and a corrupt business practice that puts corporations over people. That means, when the next tumor pops up in the coming years, ‘I will not be able to afford the life saving surgery I need to live. I very much want to work to help ensure my fellow Coloradans do not face the potential for loss of coverage and this bill will kick millions off their plans. I would love to meet with you and share my concerns and my story. You have the opportunity to be the new face of the Republican Party by listening to your constituents concerns and improving the livelihood of all Coloradans.

Cordially,

Your constituent in 80226

Laura Davies, PT, DPT, COMT