We did it. We did it. We actually freaking did it.
I'm still crying as I process what this means. A once uncertain future is starting look brighter and I cannot express my gratitude. I am so fortunate to have been directly involved with history, but I did not do this alone.
Emily, the satellite to my stars, the fire to my flood, the other half of the dynamic duo...where do I begin? Thank you for going on "get-busy-living" adventures with me. Thank you for fangirl-ing with me over Congress. Thank you for starting rallies and breaking ceilings with me. Thank you for crying with me in a hotel room when a reminder of what we are fighting for hit too close to home. I'm not a miracle, and you're not a saint, but we've proved we are more than soldiers on a road to nowhere.
Stephanie, how did I get so lucky to have a role model/friend/fellow advocate like you in my life? Thank you for pushing me and helping me realize all of my potential. Thank you for steering me in the right direction. Thank you for providing laughs when necessary and doses of reality as well. I cannot wait to celebrate in DC (waffles will be necessary).
Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer, I am privileged to live in a state where both of my Senators are such strong women who voted YES on Cures. It means the world to a constituent to know her legislators are backing her in the fight.
The House Committee of Energy and Commerce Team, thank you for your support throughout this process and sparking the conversation. Being able to work with the Communications team was an experience like no other and I look forward to continuing this work in the future.
My friends, thank you for putting up with my endless craziness and ramblings about staffers, sub-sections, committees, and rallies. Thank you for supporting me through this all and fighting right beside me.
My parents...this past year has been really rough. Currently, we are facing some new challenges and new uncertainty, but 21st Century Cures gives hope that nothing else could. I couldn't be prouder to work on this for you. Thank you for driving me all around for meetings and flying with me to DC. Thank you for putting up with me over the past couple of years. Thank you for celebrating with me and truly realizing weight of this victory.
Amelia, I wish you were here right now to share in this. You reignited my fight and I am holding you closer than ever today. I love you to the moon and back forever, sister. We have hope.
The fight is nowhere near over. Next year, we will get OPEN ACT passed mark my words. Right now though, I am going to celebrate the endless possibilities of a once cloudy future.
Thank you for giving us the Century, we won't let you down.
Xoxo,
Sick Chick