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Alyson the Advocate


 My family and I (including my twin sister, Andrea who is also living with CF) have actively advocated over the years mainly for children living with medical disabilities at the state government level. For me, advocating means giving a voice to many who share the same concern and want better for themselves and their community. Through advocating, it has taught me to see both sides of an argument and understand each piece of facts and the worth behind them. As I am in college, I am finding many different ways to put my passions into practice. It is essential for me to create a career path that will not only make me proud but also help many other groups of people.

Advocating started when I was young. At age eight, I had the opportunity to represent the Nationwide Columbus Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C., advocating with the National Association of Children's Hospitals for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

Recently our family was instrumental in saving a state children's health program in 2017 from significant cuts to funding and accessibility. I was able to meet with multiple state legislators, the speaker of the house and senate, members of governor's administration, as well as work closely with the local NBC affiliate, and Boomer Esiason to help successfully defeat Governor Kasich's proposals to disrupt and change the program. https://www.nbc4i.com/local-news/twins-with-cystic-fibrosis-say-they-will-fight-proposed-bcmh-cuts_201803210755322/1064989730

Throughout my experiences, I have made an impact and have learned what it takes to use my voice and experiences to make a difference and create positive change. I look forward to advocating more in the next few years and continuing it into my career. 
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Comments

  1. FarwaOctober 17, 2019 at 10:35 AM

    Alyson,
    Reading this post made me very happy. I was born in a family where I saw a lot of people struggling with diseases like cancer and down syndrome. I know exactly how you feel and how much importance does advocating hold for you. Thank you and keep doing what you're doing.

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