Assignment 3- Anne Douglas

The most extraordinary experience I had this summer was traveling to Washington D.C to advocate for Cystic Fibrosis patients, including my older sister, on Capital Hill. I participated in an annual event hosted by the national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation called "Teen Advocacy Day," in which 81 teens from around the U.S got to meet with their state congressional representatives and explain their story with CF, and the specific political needs of the cystic fibrosis community. Over the course of the day my mom and I met with 5 Kentucky representatives, and mainly discussed what cystic fibrosis is, how it affects the lives of those who suffer from it, and how the current administration's health care initiatives might impact (and very likely harm) CF patients. Through this experience I met some amazing people with whom I shared so much in common with, got to explore our nation's capital, gained knowledge about clinical illness and health care, and much more. But the most important thing I gained froths experience was a voice. A voice to share my story, and the disease that has caused my family so much pain and suffering. A voice to fight against government policies that I disagree with. A voice to stand up for the members of our society who's needs are too-often eclipsed in policy discussions by profit hunger corporations and politicians. This voice has given me confidence, pride, and hunger- a hunger to use my life to improve the lives of others and make positive change in this world. I Hope that one day you find your voice too.