Friend,

The Auburn Citizen recently published a profile of me, describing my background, the life events that have shaped my values, and what inspired me to run for Congress. My experience is similar to that of so many everyday Americans, and it will inform my priorities in Congress. It boils down to this: my story is your story. And you can count on me to fight for you.

For me, the fight for accessible, quality healthcare for all is personal. I know what it's like to be afraid while uninsured, to almost go bankrupt from healthcare bills, and to be defined by a pre-existing condition.

My life was turned upside down by an unexpected injury. After donating during an on-campus blood drive, I fainted, fell, and hit my head on a counter. I woke up with a severe concussion, and the effect was years of serious health problems. I had to put my education on hold, and at one point, suffered such severe symptoms that I couldn't leave my house.

I couldn't work, I couldn't support myself and I couldn't take care of myself. My finances took a toll as I continued to need treatment, and many insurers refused to cover me -- because I had a pre-existing condition.

Once I finally recovered and was able to return to a normal life, I took from my experience the conviction that our system had to change. It is not acceptable for our country to put health insurers' profits ahead of human dignity.

I got into politics because Congress needs representatives who truly know the challenges that everyday Americans face in our healthcare system. And when representatives like John Katko vote to help dismantle the Affordable Care Act -- which finally protected coverage for those with pre-existing conditions -- they are not serving us.

Help me defeat John Katko and fight for you. Please pitch in $24 or more now -- we're approaching our major end-of-quarter deadline, and if we get 64 more contributions today, we'll be on pace for a strong finish.

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

Thank you,

Dana