Daniel Abraham | VHF Community Member and Travel Grant Recipient
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to VHF for granting me the travel scholarship to attend National Bleeding Disorders (NBDF) Washington Days. Your decision and generosity sent me here to learn, advocate, and represent VHF and our mutual interests, so I see it as not only the least I can do for you, but also as my duty and obligation to write this letter and share with you and the donors what I learned and experienced.
For those who didn’t attend, Wednesday evening, March 5th was a working dinner for those preparing to advocate on Capitol Hill the next day. The first thing I noticed upon entering the banquet hall that night was just how many people were eager to engage in political action—to make their voices heard as one united community for those affected by bleeding disorders. The next day, at the Capitol, I took an active approach, speaking up not because I wanted to be the face of our group, but because I was determined that my views be heard. Engaging directly (through an aide in my case) with the very people who represent me and so many others underscored that our representation in government depends on our action.
This experience also helped make crystal clear to me just how much I had taken the HTC and my access to healthcare for granted. During the closing dinner on Friday night, the words of the NBDF president “we will never give up” stuck with me, and so I am committed to carrying that same spirit forward—I will never give up on advocating for our community.
Although I left on Friday, the moment I stepped onto my train bound for home, I knew that I would be back next year, one way or another. Thank you for empowering me to take part in this crucial advocacy, and for your ongoing support of our community.
