In 2022, my world turned upside down when my 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia for the second time. Shortly after, we learned that even if we successfully treated her existing cancer, she faced a high risk of developing new cancers. In 2023, she underwent a bone marrow transplant, and despite facing many challenges during her recovery, she is growing stronger every day!

During this challenging time, I learned how much effort goes into caring for children like her. As a result, I switched my major from physics to mathematics and am pursuing a certificate in public health to go into pediatric cancer epidemiology. Unfortunately, the current administration in Washington has jeopardized my dream. Our representatives have wavered and capitulated, directly endangering my daughter’s health and the health of many other children.

I refuse to stand by while those disconnected from our daily struggles continue to dictate the terms of our lives. We are on the brink of a new era in politics, and it’s time for representatives who truly understand and advocate for the needs of our communities! I am determined to be one of those representatives.