 NOTE: This is a longer email about why I’m running for Congress as a Democrat in TX-32. If you don’t have time to read this message, here’s a link you can use to contribute now: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bw-fr July 7, 2016, was a night that changed my life. Initially, it was not my shift to work, but a change in the schedule made me the on-call trauma surgeon that evening. A few miles from my trauma center, hundreds of Dallas residents had gathered to peacefully protest the recent deaths of Black men at the hands of law enforcement officers. What should have been a night of unity for our community turned into tragedy when a sniper targeted law enforcement officers providing security for the event. Seven wounded officers were transported to my trauma center – three in critical condition. The hours that followed were the hardest of my career. Crisis moments are routine in a trauma center, but that particular night created a complexity of emotions I had never before experienced as a trauma surgeon. Our nation was already mourning from a mass shooting in Orlando, then more violence brought that anguish to more families. Our nation was in crisis– a crisis that I was only beginning to understand and one that spurred my decision to pursue change and healing beyond my profession of medicine. I was unable to save three of the officers brought to our trauma center that night. It is impossible for me to put into words the full weight of the grief, anger, and pain I felt. I was at a crossroads but I chose not to remain resigned to this reality of violence and death. I chose to fight back. John – I have told too many families that they would not see their loved ones alive again as a result of preventable violence. That July 7th, I realized I had the ability to affect change and save lives outside of the walls of the hospital. That was my call to action. The mayor asked me to Chair the Dallas Citizens Police Review Board to help bridge the gap in trust between our communities and law enforcement. The County Judge asked me to serve as his Special Advisor for Health Equity during the pandemic. Inspired by our success, I went on to work for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chris Murphy advising on groundbreaking legislation to promote gun safety, reduce healthcare costs, and bolster our healthcare workforce. From these experiences, I learned the power our lawmakers hold to create life-saving change when we choose action over apathy. Gun safety, access to affordable healthcare, equitable community resources – these are all factors that we can directly address to save lives. But right now, we have too many leaders in Congress who lack the courage to stand up to special interests and big money and take action. That, too, we can change. Throughout my career on the frontlines of medicine, I’ve seen too much needless death and suffering. Treating my patients, listening to their stories, and feeling their pain, is my motivation for this journey. My unique perspective on the problems our communities face is what Washington needs, and I’m ready to bring a crucially needed voice to Congress. Will you stand with me in this mission to become the newest Texas Democrat and first trauma surgeon in Congress by contributing to my campaign today?
Together, we can create life-saving change. Onward,  Dr. Brian Williams
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