Do you recognize the little girl in this photo?

That’s me. ☝️ Growing up, I was diagnosed with a serious illness and spent three months in the hospital — where I’m pictured here. When I got better, my grandparents, who raised me, wanted to make sure I was protected in case I got sick again.

But they couldn’t find any insurance policies that would cover me in the future. Not from any insurer. Not at any price.

This meant my grandparents had to make significant sacrifices to pay for my health care out of pocket — all because I had a pre-existing condition.

It kept my grandparents up late at night, worried that I might fall ill again and that they wouldn't be able to afford my care. No one should ever have to go through that.

But I know we were not alone, and that our story isn’t unique. I’m one of 133 million Americans with the label "pre-existing condition" attached to our care — and before the Affordable Care Act was passed, many of us could be denied coverage.

That’s why I got into public service.

Now, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against those of us with a pre-existing condition. I championed health care reform and wrote the amendment that allows young people to stay on their parents’ insurance plan until they’re 26 years old. When I meet with young people across Wisconsin, I’m proud to see almost every hand in the room go up when I ask who is on their parents’ health insurance.

But let’s be clear: If Eric Hovde flips this seat and Republicans take back control of the Senate, the ACA will be on the chopping block. He called my amendment a “stupid idea” and said young people on their parent’s health insurance need to “grow up and move on.” He’s even said there’s no part of the ACA he supports.

If we lose this seat and Republicans take back the Senate, countless Americans could find themselves in a place where insurance companies are writing the rules once again. That’s why I need your help to protect our hard-earned progress:

Will you pitch in to my reelection campaign to help me win this race so we can protect and expand access to affordable health care? I’ve stood up against Republicans’ efforts to repeal the ACA before, and it’s going to take a team of powerful grassroots supporters to help us win this fight.

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:

Thanks for all of your support.

— Tammy