But change starts with us. Each and every one of us.

So let’s keep advocating for our health and healthcare needs. Let’s fight for our rights as people with illness or disabilities. Lead by example. Let your voices be heard. Volunteer, donate, spread awareness. Be kind to one another. Spread love and light, and remember that we are all in this together, regardless of your political beliefs.

I want to see a future where people and patients are valued over profits or politics. And I do wish for a future where love trumps hate… for ALL of us, even those who are at times ostracized or oppressed.

Be kind to one another. Keep doing good and being good. Stay encouraged. Focus on your wellness and self-care. We’re going to be alright. All of us.

Let’s just stick together and remember that we are all more alike than we are different, despite skin colors or religion or income or ability or diagnoses or wheelchairs or education or sexual orientation or career or gender.

Change starts with us first.

“We the people” are what this country thrives on. Who we elect as president reflects our hopes and fears. But if we want better leaders we have to BE better leaders. Don’t get discouraged. Keep moving forward. You’re not alone! God has our back and we have to have each other’s backs, too. Stay strong. Be the change. And remember that no matter what anyone says or implies, you matter.

Here’s my video on the matter. Don’t get angry: just watch the whole thing. It’s not a partisan issue, it’s a human issue. And it’s all about goodness and love.

To my fellow Americans who may live with a disability, illness, or who are marginalized or afraid for any reason: I get it. I’m here for you. But we need to move forward and live our best lives, regardless of political outcomes.

Want to make a positive difference in the world? Here are some nonprofit organizations and causes you can get behind:

• Arthritis Foundation
• CreakyJoints
• ACR Simple Tasks
• Lupus Foundation of America
• National Council on Disability
• AAPD
• Rarediseases
• ACLU Nationwide
• Lions Clubs International
• The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
• WEGO Health
• Stand Up To Cancer
• American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities
• National Disabled Women’s Educational Equity Project
• NAIDW – National Association of Injured & Disabled Workers
• UNICEF
• The National Disability Rights Network
• Leader Dogs for the Blind
• Therapy Dogs International
• USAction
• PICO National Network
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Save the Children
• Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
• Families USA
• State Children’s Health Insurance Program
• Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Cancer Caring Center
• Kids Get Arthritis Too
• Born This Way Foundation
• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine