Aliso Niguel grad Gracie Doran visits D.C. for health care lobbying

Orange County Register (CA)

July 03--Aliso Niguel High School alumna Gracie Doran recently visited the nation's capital to speak about health care reform.

A stroke survivor, Doran graduated from Aliso Niguel in 2017 while balancing her time as a dance instructor for kids with special needs.

Q: Tell us about your visit to D.C. What were you hoping to accomplish?

A: I went to D.C with over 300 survivors and advocates from the American Heart and Stroke Association. Our mission was to be able to lobby on Capitol Hill for increased funding for National Institute of Health research of heart disease and stroke, the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine Act (FAST) telestroke, cardiovascular rehabilitation and voting 'no' on the new health care bill.

Q: What are the benefits of lobbying in person, rather than making calls or writing letters?

A: It is much more impactful if our senators and congressmen get visits in person from their constituents. It shows them that you are serious about the issue that you are discussing. Personal stories have a big impact.

Q: What are your thoughts on the proposed health care bills?

A: I have a chronic illness. So when it comes to the issue that pre-existing conditions will not be covered or you could be charged an extremely high amount for insurance under this new bill, it affects me because of my genetic condition. Millions of Americans will lose coverage under this new plan. I think this is discrimination and unfair.

Q: Do you see yourself having a future in lobbying?

A: Yes, I want to become a lobbyist for people who have disabilities. I also want to advocate for those with heart disease and stroke. Being in Washington D.C. at this monumental time with all of the other people fighting for affordable and accessible health care really made a huge impact on me.

Q: You just graduated from high school. What are your next steps?

A: Next year, I will be attending Saint Mary's College of California. I will be taking part in a five-year program to get my master's in leadership and social justice. I plan on going to law school to become an attorney and advocate for people with disabilities and continue my mission to advocate for pediatric stroke research and awareness.

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