Hi John — I have a personal story I’d like to share with you.

Growing up, I was diagnosed with a serious illness and spent three months in the hospital.

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.

That meant my grandparents had to pay for my health care out of pocket, and they had to make significant sacrifices to do so — all because I had a pre-existing condition.

I saw my grandparents stay 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 my story is not unique, John, and I knew they weren’t the only ones. That’s why I got into public service.

I’m one of 133 million Americans who have the label "pre-existing condition" attached to our care — and before the Affordable Care Act was passed, many of us could be denied coverage.

Now, insurance companies can no longer discriminate against someone based on their pre-existing condition. I championed health reform and wrote the amendment to allow young people to stay on their parent’s insurance plan up to age 26. And when I meet with young people across Wisconsin, almost every hand in the room goes up when I ask who is on their parent’s health insurance.

So, you can imagine my frustration whenever Republicans attack our health care and threaten protections for folks with pre-existing conditions — including my opponent Eric Hovde, who called my amendment a “stupid idea” and said young people on their parent’s health insurance need to “grow up and move on.”

If Eric Hovde flips this seat and secures the Senate majority for Republicans, the ACA will be on the chopping block and countless Americans could find themselves in a place where insurance companies are putting profits over people.

That’s not right. And that’s why I need your help to defeat him.

I’ve fought against Republicans’ efforts to repeal the ACA before, and I won’t back down now. John, will you split a donation between Fight for Progress and my reelection campaign to support my fight to protect and expand access to affordable health care?

Thank you for letting me share my story.

— Tammy