Friend, every Sunday my mom and I spend the afternoon playing dominoes together. It's our special tradition — and it's one of the most meaningful parts of my life.

I owe just about everything in my life to my mom. She made the brave decision to move my family from our home in Ecuador to America. It wasn't easy moving to a new country as a 14-year-old, but I can't imagine what it was like for my mom, having to start all over and working double shifts just to pay rent for a one room apartment.

But friend, my mom never wavered once. Her constant reassurance, work ethic, and firm belief in the American dream inspired me to fight for a better life.

I studied hard, got a minimum wage job, and earned scholarships to pay for college. After school, I found a career giving back to my community through public service, eventually becoming the first South American immigrant elected to Congress. I've found purpose in my life, become part of a unique community, and raised a beautiful family.

Because of my mom's sacrifices, my family got our American dream. And now, it's both a privilege and a joy to be my mom's caretaker, ensuring that she can age with dignity and comfort. There are a lot of big things that come along with that job — managing her doctor's appointments, advocating for her care, and navigating the all-too-complicated Medicare and Social Security systems.

But it's the little parts of caring for my mom — playing our weekly domino games, cooking a big dinner for her, taking her on trips to her favorite places — that matter most to me.

My ability to give my mom a good retirement is one of the things that I am most grateful for. It's not easy by any means, but I know all too well just how lucky my mom and I are. These days, it's getting harder and harder for Americans to age with dignity and comfort.

Far-right Republicans have fought for major cuts to Social Security and blocked efforts to expand Medicare, leaving seniors living paycheck to paycheck. Instead they want to cut or privatize these critical public programs — my opponent Rick Scott actually came up with a plan to end them altogether. Even though I've been able to give my mom a good retirement, the shortcomings of these programs still make it incredibly hard to get her the care and support she needs.

Every American deserves a good, stable retirement. That's why I'm running for Senate — to fight for people like my mom. Polls show that we've got a real chance to win, but I'm counting on your help to power my grassroots campaign. Please, if you believe in a better future for seniors, will you rush $5 to help me defeat Rick Scott and protect Social Security and Medicare?

Thank you so much,

Debbie