I was recently given another incredible opportunity—this time, to speak at a roundtable event alongside one of our senators, sharing how devastating cuts to Medicaid would be for Kay and me. About two months ago, I was first approached with the chance to submit our story for possible selection to speak in Washington, D.C. Although I wasn’t chosen for that trip, I received a call last Friday inviting me to attend a local roundtable event this Tuesday, where the senator would be present along with members of the press.
Of course, I said yes—because if you know anything about me by now, it’s that I never pass up the chance to advocate for Kay or anyone else who could be helped along the way.
I arrived at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation on Tuesday morning, ready to use my voice. It was actually my first time visiting Cure 4 The Kids, and I was blown away by their mission and impact. They serve as Southern Nevada’s treatment center for children battling cancer and rare diseases, committed to advancing care through clinical expertise, innovative research, and compassionate support.
I also had the privilege of meeting two incredible moms whose children face their own unique challenges. Hearing their stories was both humbling and inspiring—it reminded me of the strength and resilience that exists within our community. We were able to speak privately with the senator and also shared our experiences on camera with a local news outlet.
What stood out the most was seeing how deeply the senator cared about the people who would be affected by these potential cuts. It was a powerful reminder that advocacy—though sometimes exhausting and even discouraging—is always worth it. Because there are people listening. There are people who care and will stand and fight beside you.
Lately, I’ve been blessed with so many meaningful opportunities, and I truly owe them all to Kay. From the moment we received her Down syndrome diagnosis, I knew advocacy would be a lifelong journey. And when we later added a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis to the mix, it only fueled my commitment even more. My mission is simple: to make sure Kay is seen, heard, and taken care of—not just today, but always.