Claudette Goes to Washington D.C.

Written by Claudette Kenmir

On June 26th and 27th, I had an opportunity to attend “You’re the Cure on the Hill” in Washington D.C.  This was my second time representing AHA/ASA as a survivor and I was honored to be there. 

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hero_image_alt_text===Photo of advocates standing in front of congressional nameplate in D.C.
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thumbnail_alt_text===Photo of advocates standing in front of congressional nameplate in D.C.
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I partnered with Lindsay Hovind from the Seattle AHA/ASA office and we met with our Washington state delegation regarding increased funding from NIH for heart disease and stroke; expanded access for Telestroke; legislation that would increase access to cardiac rehab; and asked them to support a plan that improves health care in the United States.  As a stroke survivor with a family history of heart disease, I was able to share my personal story and why I was asking for their support on these key legislative initiatives.

The best part of this trip was meeting other survivors and hearing their stories.  Tuesday morning before we went to The Hill, 300+ advocates were in a ballroom all dressed in red. It was quite the sight to see. What an amazing group of people!  Some have overcome so much and they have such a positive attitude and message to share. I was truly humbled by them. At the end of the day, I had 17,000 steps on my Fitbit and my feet were tired but I was also full of gratitude for the opportunity to meet some very special people with the hope that we made a difference to improve heart disease and stroke in the future.  

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