MS advocacy on my own… or was I?

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It’s not like I haven’t ever advocated at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, before, but this year I was nervous.

This was the first time I went without Dan, my advocacy partner in crime. He unfortunately couldn’t get away from work to attend this year’s 12th Annual Older Michiganians Day. Sure, I had my caregiver Marcus with me and more than 1,000 older Michigan residents as well. We all met with our State Representative and Senators to get our voices heard about a variety of aging- and disability-related issues.

Going into it, I knew it was going to be just me, Jennifer. No Dan. I felt like peanut butter without jelly. Macaroni without cheese. Bert without Ernie. Abbott without Costello.

But adrenaline instantly overpowered anxiety the second I saw the State Capitol dome as Marcus and I turned the corner onto Capitol Avenue in Lansing. I realized then I was the furthest thing from alone.

This was the day I got to introduce and connect my two primary advocacy communities: Region VII Area Agency on Aging and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Dan and I historically have gone to Lansing twice each year to join each community on their respective advocacy event; however, our fellow MS activists were eager to attend the May 15 OMD as MS Action Day isn’t scheduled until this fall.

Many of the OMD and NMSS legislative issues – such as the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program and support for the Direct Care Workforce – often overlap, and when it comes to advocacy there truly is strength in numbers.

Here’s how we showed our strength on this day that empowered us all and got Dan and me that much more excited about MS Action Day this fall.

How do I not get all fan girl about Rochel Genge from Region VII Area Agency on Aging? She has been a huge advocate for me from Day One of Dan and my life together, and it was so awesome that we got to work together at this year’s OMD!
Not only did I have the opportunity to share with first-year State Senator Rick Outman the importance of the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program, I gave him an orange tie to wear for MS Action Day this fall. I really appreciated his willingness to come out to the Capitol lawn to meet with me and his constituents.
I have advocated in Washington, D.C, with both Holly Pendell (left) and Liz Trapp from the National MS Society, but it was such a rush to be with them together and serve as MS activists on our home turf!
As always, it was great to meet with my State Representative Roger Hauck and finally introduce him to my caregiver Marcus and reiterate the importance of supporting Direct Care Workforce legislation. BTW: Dan and I already gave Rep. Hauck an orange tie for MS awareness several years ago 🙂
And how can I not get all fan girl about running into Ruth Linnemann, a close friend who helped to introduce Dan and me to advocacy and serve as our MS activist mentor for nearly 14 years? I didn’t know she was going to attend OMD, so it was an incredible surprise to see her and we had to send this photo back to Dan to say, “Hi.”
To learn more about why it’s so important for you to get your voice heard and how you can get involved as an MS activist, check out “Use your MS voice every day,” the 73rd episode of Dan and my online show, A Couple Takes on MS that is featured on the MS and Me Radio Network.

4 Responses to MS advocacy on my own… or was I?

  1. Jennifer you are amazing! You’ve brought advocacy & awareness for both Region 7 AAA & MS, and are a voice for many. YOU ROCK!!!

    Reply

    • Thanks for your incredibly kind comments, Sue! We couldn’t do any of this without the support of Region VII, the National MS Society and people like you 🙂 –Jennifer

      Reply

  2. Jennifer, you and Dan have made historical strides in promoting the awareness of those with MS. Certainly your many hours of meetings have been exhausting but have proven to be fruitful. Keep up the great job you are doing. Positive steps are being made by your dedication. Love you both.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much, Marcella. We love you right back! This is our passion, so until this disease is cured, we’ll keep talking to increase awareness and try to make a difference. – Jennifer

      Reply

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