Friend,

Growing up, my mother Berdetta would often ask me: “are you going to build orphanages or are you going to build bridges?”

Time and time again, I would always respond to my mother that I would build bridges. I would explain that people need to get work, keep the economy going, and see progress in their communities, so more bridges allow that to happen.

No matter how many times she asked me this, whether I was in 4th grade or high school, I continued to give her the same answer. When I told her that I was going to build bridges, my mom said: “If they can get to work, then they are going to be fine. We always need to invest in and support the people that don’t have.” I would argue back and forth with her, but my mother always held true that it was most important to help the most vulnerable.

My answer finally changed when I was a senior in high school. I had a football injury and needed immediate surgery, but my mother was between jobs, and we did not have health insurance.

When I got injured, I was rushed to the hospital, and it began as of the most horrifying experiences of my life. They asked us for our insurance and when we didn’t have it, the nurses pushed us into a dark room in the back of the hospital. I kid you not — they didn’t bring us sheets or talk to us one time for an entire night. My mom and I felt so alone and so scared.

But thankfully, working that day was a doctor named Dr. Omar. I will never forget him. When he finally came to visit us, Dr. Omar told me that it was essential that I have surgery despite my lack of insurance, and he was not going to leave us until it was taken care of.

Dr. Omar ran around the hospital, trying to solve my problem. Finally, Doctor Omar found another doctor willing to perform the surgery in my room, rather than going to the OR and accumulating more expenses!

Right before I went under anesthesia, Dr. Omar told me, “I’m going to be here with you.” And when I woke up, he was still there — Dr. Omar was holding my hand and said, “I’m proud that we made it out.”

Sitting on the other side of Dr. Omar was my mother. When I woke up from the surgery, the first words I spoke were to my mom. I told her, “I will always build the orphanage.” My mom started crying, and it was one of the most precious moments of my life.

This experience had a profound impact on me. It finally clicked. I knew I could be good and do right by helping those who were disadvantaged, those who were in the most need of help. When I was in need without the resources I needed, Dr. Omar found a way to help me. I wanted to be there for others like Dr. Omar was for me.

I’ve carried this with me ever since, and when I’m in Congress, I’m committed to fighting to make our government work for those who need it most. I hope you consider supporting our movement to send me to Congress by contributing what you can today.→

Thank you for listening to my story,

Jevin D. Hodge