My 25th Trip to DC to #ProtectOurCare

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7 mins read
Peter Morley with Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Lauren Underwood, and Chuy García of Illinois. Photo courtesy of Peter Morley.

My 25th Trip to DC to #ProtectOurCare was specifically to help bring awareness to ACA Open Enrollment, which begins November 1, 2019 (October 15 for California). I wanted to document my meetings & how YOUR voice matters in the fight for healthcare.

Day One (Senate)

My first stop was Senator Doug Jones He deeply cares about Alabamians. He also has a bill to expand Medicaid in ALL 14 states, including Alabama, in the Senate. Senator Jones is our biggest ally to #ProtectOurCare in the south!

Peter Morley and Senator Doug Jones. Photo courtesy of the author.

Next stop, Senator Jeff Merkley! Senator Merkley has been one of my biggest champions to #ProtectOurCare His calm resolve is a great strength of his. As is the Senator’s compassion.

Peter Morley and Senator Jeff Merkley. Photo courtesy of the author.

Just want to give credit, this was Senator Merkley’s idea. I may have worn the more colorful shoes on that day, but the Senator is a hero. I’d be PROUD to walk a mile in his shoes. Just not sure they’d fit. 😉💜

Peter Morley and Senator Jeff Merkley. Photo courtesy of the author.

Senator Ron Wyden claims that there is a “Peter Morley Caucus” in the Senate. I’m not sure about that. But what I am sure about is that I’ve never met anyone more passionate about health care. And no one who is more determined to #ProtectOurCare, than Senator Wyden.

Peter Morley and Senator Ron Wyden. Photo courtesy of the author.

Representing the great state of Maryland, I finally got to meet, Senator Ben Cardin! What a pleasure to know him and fight with him to #ProtectOurCare He wants to make sure that EVERY Marylander knows that they can #GetCovered 11/1-12/15/19

➡️ https://marylandhealthconnection.gov

Peter Morley and Senator Ben Cardin. Photo courtesy of the author.

Senator Chuck Schumer has been fighting hard for us in the Senate. He knows how important it is to #ProtectOurCare He’s my Senator, and I’m proud to know him. I appreciate everything he has done to support my advocacy throughout Congress. Thank you, Senator Schumer! 💜

Peter Morley and Senator Chuck Schumer. Photo courtesy of the author.

Day Two (House of Representative)

Day 2 of my advocacy began with House Representatives from the Illinois state delegation. First up was Rep. Jan Schakowsky from IL-09, one of the most progressive women in Congress. Also, one of the biggest hearts. And her optimism keeps my hope alive!

Peter Morley and Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Photo courtesy of the author.

Dear Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, I can’t tell you how happy it makes me having a nurse with an impactful voice in Congress. I know you understand my personal struggles with healthcare. Keep fighting to #ProtectOurCare. #IL14 is very fortunate to have your representation!

Peter Morley and Rep. Lauren Underwood. Photo courtesy of the author.

Rep. Chuy García, I wanted to thank you for your commitment to expanding access to quality education, affordable housing, and economic opportunity. #IL04 is so fortunate to have such a passionate leader, and as a patient, thank you for everything you do to #ProtectOurCare

Peter Morley and Rep. Chuy García. Photo courtesy of the author.

I stopped by to see my Congresswoman and champion of my efforts to #ProtectOurCare in DC, Rep. Carolyn Maloney We’ve made over two dozen videos together. I can’t begin to thank her, but she would want you to know that ACA 2020 Open Enrollment is 11/1/19-1/31/20 for New York!

Peter Morley outside Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s office. Photo courtesy of the author.

Rep. Ben Ray Luján, in #NM03 is such an incredible leader. He thinks not only of his constituents but of the entire United States when it comes to his commitment to #ProtectOurCare I am #TeamLujan for his New Mexico Senate run. I ENDORSE him. Thank you for caring so deeply. 💜

Peter Morley and Rep. Ben Ray Luján. Photo courtesy of the author.

What an honor it was to meet Rep. Dwight Evans from #PA03 His digital campaign of ACA success stories is incredibly inspiring. Not only is he committed to #ProtectOurCare, but Congressman Evans is also a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. Thank YOU! 🧡

Peter Morley and Rep. Dwight Evans. Photo courtesy of the author.

This picture captures a moment between me and #MA07 Congresswoman Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Our hearts are breaking and grieving for Congressman Cummings. We are honoring his strength and compassion to #ProtectOurCare, because we know that is what he would want. Thank you, Congresswoman!

Peter Morley and Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Photo courtesy of the author.

I stopped by the Rep. Elijah Cummings memorial in the Oversight Committee room to pay my respects. In the short time I knew the Congressman, he had a profound impact on my life. His strength, wisdom and compassion gave me the courage to get through this trip. May he rest in peace. 🕊

Memorial for Rep. Elijah Cummings in the Oversight Committee Room. Photo courtesy of the author.

There are many offices that I want to thank during my 25th trip to DC to #ProtectOurCare:

Thank you for your commitment to ACA 2020 Open Enrollment!

  • 25 trips to DC
  • 350+ meetings in Congress to #ProtectOurCare
  • 2 Testimonies in the House

I will continue to fight as I walk the fine line of being a patient with over 10+ #PreExistingConditions and a Patient Advocate. YOUR voice matters! Keep fighting and #NeverGiveUp 💪

Originally posted as a Twitter thread. Re-posted with permission.

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Peter Morley is a disabled patient advocate, a two-time cancer survivor and a healthcare activist who lives with chronic illness. He has worked closely with a number of elected officials including his Congresswoman from NY-12, Carolyn Maloney, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and members of the Senate HELP Committee. He has held over 200 meetings in Congress sharing his own journey and the health care stories of people across the United States. In December 2016, he joined Twitter and created the handle @morethanmySLE with the goal of fostering awareness of men who have Lupus. His Twitter account gave him visibility that led to his work with U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, advocating for healthcare that is accessible and affordable to people with Lupus and other chronic illnesses. Since May 2017, he has increased his voice and scope of advocacy. He states that no one should ever have to worry about having their healthcare taken away simply because they became ill. He is passionate about protecting those with pre-existing conditions, encouraging, and teaching others to advocate for themselves at the local, state, or federal levels.

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