Three years ago, Donald Trump and Paul Ryan tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act and rip health care away from millions of Americans. And I will never forget looking up at the TV — in the midst of that debate — and seeing my nephew on the screen.

Joe was front and center at a hearing on Capitol Hill, eviscerating the GOP: “There is no mercy in a system that makes healthcare a luxury. There is no mercy in a country that turns their back on those most in need of protection.”

The moment went viral. Because the rest of the world saw the Joe I know — the most humble and decent guy you’ll ever meet, with absolute nerves of steel when it comes to righting wrongs and fighting injustice.

My late husband, Senator Ted Kennedy, worked his entire public life to secure access to health care for all Americans. He called it the cause of his life. Joe is cut from the same cloth. He is an exceptional leader who has the resolve and heart we need to ensure that no family has to worry about whether they can afford to save their loved one’s life.

Now, Joe is facing his last quarterly FEC fundraising deadline before the primary — which means that we have to raise another $8,431 before midnight on the 30th to prove this team has the resources to send Joe to the Senate. Can you pitch in $3 or more today?

Joe has led the fight for affordable, accessible health care in Congress. He’s been much more than a reliable vote in the House – he’s been a champion to make quality, affordable health care a right for all and not such a privilege for the few. I know he’ll carry that same fight and passion and leadership into the Senate as well.

We have been in this fight for decades. Generations. And because of the tireless battles waged by leaders like my late husband and the commitment of President Obama and Vice President Biden to pass the Affordable Care Act, we’ve made progress. But as COVID-19 has laid bare once again, there is still so much more to do. Our system is broken. Our “normal” is broken. And we need leaders who will change it for good. We need Joe.

Joe has fought for affordable health care throughout his career, and with your help, he can continue that fight. Please, chip in right away to send a new champion for health care to the Senate for Massachusetts!

Thanks for all you do.

Vicki Kennedy