As a mother, veteran, advocate and fueled by the overwhelming number of people being underrepresented by our legislators, I decided to be the change I sought. With a background in healthcare, two disabled parents and over 30 million lives impacted by it, healthcare was at the forefront of my platform. A little over a year into my campaign, my brother, Shaw, had a heart attack. While in the hospital, his cardiologist suggested that he be released wearing a “LifeVest.” The LifeVest would continuously monitor Shaw’s heart and if his heart was to go into a life-threatening arrythmia, the vest would deliver a shock treatment to restore his heart to normal. The vest was priced at over $400 per day. Though Shaw was an honorably discharged veteran, who had served tours during the war in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, he worked in an industrial plant to make ends meet. The cost of the vest per day was more than half of his salary per week. When I asked Shaw, what we were going to do about his vest, he stated, “I can’t do anything because I’m just an average worker. I don’t have that kind of money.” He was discharged without the vest and he passed away in his sleep less than a month later on March 15, 2018.

Standing Heroes for Average Workers (S.H.A.W.) is my organization dedicated to Shaw, my big brother, and the many people who have gone unheard due to being just an “average worker.” Our democracy has been ruined by wealth. In fact, statistics show that the wealthiest 1 percent of households own more wealth than the bottom 90 percent. The “average worker’s” issues have gone ignored due to the lack of wealth and the inability to financially participate in the political process, therefore, failing to shed light on the issues that matter most to us. S.H.A.W. will serve to bridge the gap by advocating for the issues that matter most to the average worker. Whether it is a local, state, or federal issue, S.H.A.W. will passionately advocate to ensure the average worker is heard and represented in legislation. S.H.A.W. is unique in that our advocacy is not just advocating. We stand to bridge the gap between education and legislation. We believe as we educate, we will motivate, therefore increasing the numbers of those who want to participate.

S.H.A.W. will uplift and restore trust within the political process by demonstrating our dedication for change. I have spent years advocating for others and this organization is another extension of my continued service through my brother’s story. The loss of Shaw due to one of the issues I advocate for has been devastating. However, I know my story is one of many that also deserves to be heard. He will be my constant reminder that all lives are important, not just those of wealth. I will continue to fight until a person's life nor their voice is determined by the amount of wealth he/she has. Join me in my fight and become a "Standing Hero for Average Workers."