Hey -- Every single day, Texans are sharing their stories about how coronavirus is affecting their day-to-day.

Amplifying our voices is how we feel heard, and it's how we hold Republicans accountable for their mismanaged response to the pandemic. While most are hard to read, it's important that we read them because it's how we stay connected to our community.

Stories like Ann, who was laid off right before the pandemic swept the nation:

"The impact is economic. I was laid off shortly before the pandemic. My two young adult daughters are struggling even more. One is a private cello teacher that works hourly through public schools that are now shut down. The other runs a YMCA aftercare site that is shut down. I am not afraid of the virus, I am afraid of how I will survive economically/financially."

Or Sheldon, who had to witness firsthand how hospitals are struggling:

"I was placed in quarantine 9 days ago which was suspected to be a case of coronavirus. The test proved it was not. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I saw firsthand the struggle the hospital staff was going through as they tried to deal with the very fluid protocols. They were already struggling with a lack of supplies. Perhaps the Lt. Gov. needs to focus on doing what needs to be done to care for our healthcare providers, rather than just suggesting residents of Texas just be left to die."

Or Barry, who lives in fear for the safety of their family:

"My wife is 66 years old and works at Walmart. It bothers me that she thinks she has to work when she knows she's around people that could give her the coronavirus. But feels obligated to do her job. I'm worried about my kids in Denton and in Fort Worth. My grandson's birthday is being called off until later on. I'm retired and it's mainly being depressed and worried all the time. Not feeling strong about our leadership to handle this crisis."

Many people are fearful for their loved ones, worried about how to pay for rent, anxious about finding food to feed their families -- these are all very real issues for many in our community.

That doesn't mean that we give up. On the contrary, we're in this together. I can't tell you how many people I've seen step up to the plate, from offering to go grocery shopping for their high-risk neighbor to making handmade PPE masks for their loved ones.

I hope you'll take some time out of your day today to share your story with us too. Standing as a unified community means lifting each other up, including our voices:

Share your story

Stay well,

Brittany Switzer
Senior Brand Director, Texas Democratic Party