Early on a Saturday morning, Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen made himself available to hear a tale of juvenile arthritis from Abigail Bermeo, who was diagnosed with the disease this year. The two shared stories of challenges and advocacy.
Frelinghuysen, who introduces himself as “Rodney,” first joined the Arthritis Caucus 10-12 years ago when he was visited by a group preparing to rally on behalf of arthritis sufferers in Washington, D.C. At the time, Frelinghuysen was surprised to learn of a disease affecting so many young people, and more specifically Caucasian females. Since that early initiative, the New Jersey congressman has been taking groups of kids and young adults to Washington, D.C. to speak with the National Institute of Health about their conditions, the medications that help, and the importance of being able to continue to receive health care coverage for the most effective treatments.
Listening to stories of those who have the disease has helped Frelinghuysen remain focused on its destructive nature and the importance of affordable medications. As the insurance companies lobby for patients to pay up to 30% of the cost for infused biologics (approximately $15,000 per hospital visit) the congressman has fought to continue higher percentages of coverage by the insurance companies. In reference to the benefits of infused medicines, Bermeo said that it’s “scary to be in a position to take medicine with side effects listed on television, but they definitely help. Now, I can do push-ups in gym and last spring, I couldn’t.”
An avid supporter of the Arthritis Caucus, the congressman says it’s important to continue to raise awareness of the disease especially since it effects so many young people. On a day when there were many groups to visit, it was a pleasure to have him listen and offer his support.
