Advocates in Action
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What does it mean to be an advocate? Advocates are people who speak out about something they believe in on behalf of themselves and/or others. Outreach to Members of Congress informs policymakers about the needs of people affected by digestive health issues and how they can take meaningful action. Digestive health advocacy through the DHA brings concerned parties together to ensure that we carry clear, impactful messages. Adding your voice to this growing chorus helps expand critical research, initiate important legislation, and facilitate the development of new treatment options. It can be as simple as sending an email or making a call to a legislative office. Here are the experiences of people living with the challenges imposed by functional GI disorders. Through DHA they have put their hopes for change into action.
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Tegan All FGIMDs As the most recent addition to the IFFGD staff I had not before experienced a DHA Advocacy Day, nor, for that matter, had I even previously been to Washington, D.C. So, I was in for quite the couple of days... Read More |
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Melissa Gastroparesis On April 22, 2014, I met with Congressman André Carson (IN) to discuss the Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act of 2013 (H.R. 842) and provide him with some additional information regarding these disorders... Read More |
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Abigail All FGIMDs As my plane landed in Washington, DC, I could see the iconic sites out the window. It’s almost impossible not to be affected by them. My eyes gazed over the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and settled on the Capitol. That stately building was my destination... Read More |
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Lonnie Gastroparesis Since founding the Cheryl Aaron Memorial Fund last March, Lonnie has become super involved in advocating, raising awareness, and funding research for gastroparesis... Read More |
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Kat Gastroparesis Kat attended Advocacy Day in both 2012 and 2013... Read More |
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Hollie Gastroparesis The last speaker at the June 20, 2012 congressional briefing on functional GI and motility disorders sponsored by DHA was Hollie. She shared her experience about life with gastroparesis... Read More |
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Natalie and Grant Pseudo-obstruction In November of 2011, after a "reality check” visit with Dr. Di Lorenzo, at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, I realized my best opportunity for Grant to live a long and happy future lies in our HOPE for advancement in research and available medications. It was at this... Read More |
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Mollee Gastroparesis Over the past few months, with the help of the staff from the IFFGD/DHA, I’ve written letters to my Congressman and Senators regarding issues that affect those with gastroparesis. The IFFGD staff suggested it might be good to follow up on my letters with a personal visit. At first,... Read More
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Reneé and Erin Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lower GI Disorders My name is Reneé. I am married to my wonderful husband Mike of 22 years, and am a mom of a 15-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son. We live in the Florida panhandle and I work as a CPA in a small firm. My GI problems started about 3 years ago. I started thinking that maybe I... Read More |
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Crystal
Gastroparesis
June 14, 2011
Crystal prepares to visit the office of her Senator, Charles Schumer (D-NY) during the DHA Advocacy Day. To read about Crystal's experience, vist her blog at livingwithgastroparesis.com.
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Tanjie
Gastroparesis
March 10, 2011
DHA Advocate Tanjie sat down to speak with fellow advocate, Mollee, about her experience at the 2011 DHA Advocacy Day. Below is an excerpt from their interview. Tanjie, 43, is an urban planner for the city of Huntsville, Alabama. For more...
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Want to become an advocate? Learn how here.