Spotlight On The Resistance – THURSDAY 12/20/18
In December 2016, 2 years ago, I joined Twitter and created the handle @morethanmySLE with the goal of fostering awareness of men who have Lupus. I represent the 10% of men who live with Lupus in the United States, and although I structure my life around its debilitating symptoms, chronic fatigue, numerous daily medications, and monthly biologic treatments, I refuse to let Lupus define me. I am “more than my SLE” (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus).
It was my advocacy on Twitter that led me to work with my US Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney (whom I met through Twitter) to advocate for healthcare that is accessible and affordable to people with Lupus, and others suffering from chronic illnesses.
Since July 2017, I have increased the voice and scope of advocacy by traveling to Washington, D.C. a total of 13 times in the 115th Congress. I have compiled thousands of health care stories of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals and shared them with over 150 offices throughout Congress. No one should ever have to worry about having their healthcare taken away from them simply because they became ill. This is what energizes and inspires me to travel so frequently to our Capital. I will continue to fight for each of us with Lupus and others with chronic illnesses and ensure that we all have the health coverage we need and deserve into the 116th Congress. Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guaranteed health insurance coverage to those with preexisting conditions, many people with Lupus could be denied health insurance policies by many providers. We must NEVER go back to that place. I am passionate about teaching others to advocate for themselves at the local, state, or federal levels by sharing their personal healthcare stories and using their voices.
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Visit Peter Morley on Twitter! @morethanmySLE
And see: https://twitter.com/mcspocky/status/1075670883522363393
A warm welcome to PETER MORLEY!