Going to Capitol Hill and speaking to my state representatives, all of these memories and fears fired their way to the front of my mind and soul. When I got onto the plane and started to think about how this trip would go, and what stories I would share, I started to cry. I didn’t realize how deep I had to bury these feelings, and how quickly they take over once I give them the smallest space to appear.
I knew it would be difficult going to the North Carolina reps. Some of these folks vote against what seems like every good policy, even some that support their own voters. One rep wouldn’t give us a meeting, even after I had called several times. When we stopped in to speak to them, not only would they not give us a representative to speak with, they wouldn’t even let me take a picture. Not even after I shared that my three-year-old had snuck a Hot Wheels car into my carry-on bag, and I was taking pictures with it around the Capitol.
Alex Fanning documented his son’s toy car’s trip around Capitol Hill.
It’s hard to feel heard and seen in this country right now, and it doesn’t feel good knowing what this means for me, my family and my future. But joining this trip, this cause, I get to come home and hug my family, knowing that now when the North Carolina representatives vote on the policies we spoke about with them, they’ll cast their vote with my face, my voice, my story in their mind. And maybe—maybe they’ll vote in favor of the people, and give my kids a chance to know me when they’re adults as the fun, active dad.
The ACR gave me the opportunity to share my story and let the patients and doctors be heard on Capitol Hill, and I’m grateful.
