Visocnik family (lower left) with the WI Chapter group at 2010 Summit
Advocacy/Kid’s Summit Capitol Hill Goers Personal Experience Julie Visocnik’s son Kort was diagnosed with arthritis in 2006. From here on out the Visocnik family has participated in Arthritis Walks and helped raise awareness and pledges for the Arthritis Foundation.
This year the Visocnik family made the trek to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. for the Advocacy/Kid’s Summit to let their voices and stories be heard. Here is what Julie had to say about it:
I just returned from my first trip to Washington, D.C. and I have to tell you, I have a multitude of feelings and ideas about my experience.
First, I learned something I wasn’t exactly expecting…a lot of the people working for us in D.C. really do care. I suppose that is why they are there in the first place, but I hadn’t really considered this before. I think we all get a little cynical about what’s not working in our government and some people get lost, focusing too much about what “team” to root for. But my experience, walking into my senators’ offices has changed my perspective. I discovered people who were interested in hearing what I had to say. We asked for their support and they in turn asked for ours. They took time out of their hectic schedules and they listened to my 6-yea- old son tell them what it is like to have arthritis and how it affects his knees and his eye. We heard other compelling stories about other families struggling to get a diagnosis, get on the right medication, and even get in to see a rheumatologist (there is a serious shortage in this specialty). We asked for programs and funding for research for arthritis, a disease that affects over 46 million Americans. Did you realize it is the number 1 cause of disability?
The second thing I learned was I really can make a difference. I discovered each government office actually tracks who has called and/or sent a letter to voice a question or concern. I don’t know about you, but this really surprised me. I have sent a few emails over the years but I have to admit, I figured it was going into a black hole. It was reassuring to meet the people who actually read the letters and keep the log book.
Third, I learned it takes a long time to get things done in Washington. On average, it takes 13 years to pass a bill. This seems really crazy to me. Kort could be in high school before the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act is passed. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try and it certainly doesn’t mean we should give up, but it is important to realize it takes time (and persistence).
Finally, I learned that there is power in numbers. When I arrived to my designated table on day one to learn more about how my government works, I looked around the rooms and saw hundreds of people there for the same reason. My table was completely full; we had great representation for the state of Wisconsin. But there were other states that only had one person to represent them (more than a handful of states had no one). This showed me how important it is to spread the word about Arthritis to create awareness about how this disease affects so many people, both young and old.
Whatever your cause is, I recommend you champion for it! Let your voice be heard and know that there is power in your personal story. Support your community, and if you want something to get done, you have to be willing to get up and ask for it. I feel motivated to make a difference and to speak up for what I believe. Thank you for all your support!
Julie Visocnik
Salem, WI
Tags: Arthritis, Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act, Arthritis Summit, juvenile arthritis, legislation, Washington D.C.
