Mother’s Day carries a special poignancy for me now. It’s been three years since my mother and mother-in-law passed away. Through that time, I’ve journeyed through grief, and I’ve made progress on healing. I still miss them both terribly, but the loss is much less painful. Part of the healing process has been giving myself … Continue reading On Healing and Finding Balance: Honoring My Mothers, Finding Grace & Space
Fifteen years ago this month, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became law – a historic milestone for our country. Thanks to the ACA, over 45 million people gained health insurance coverage, and millions more gained peace of mind, knowing they couldn’t be denied care for a pre-existing health condition. This month is also personal for … Continue reading Time to Act: Protecting Healthcare Coverage, and Fighting for More
This past week, we lost Cecile Richards, a fierce advocate for women’s rights and healthcare access. Her passing is a tremendous loss for all of us who were inspired by her courage and vision. Cecile was a role model for so many, including me. Her book, Make Trouble, was the subject of my first blog … Continue reading Honoring Cecile Richards: Personal Reflections on Her Impact and Inspiration
As we step fully into the new year, I find myself reflecting on the stories I’ve read that build strength and courage – the ones that have stayed with me over the past year, long after the last page was turned. They remind me that resilience isn’t passive—it’s a choice to keep striving, to stay … Continue reading Winter’s Best Reads 2025: More Stories of Women’s Courage and Resilience
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to commemorate a major milestone and one of the highlights of my year: the friendly acquisition of Holy Family Hospitals by Lawrence General Hospital. We saved these hospitals from closing, and we are paving the way for a new and revitalized healthcare system in the Merrimack Valley. … Continue reading My Leadership Journey: Expanding Massachusetts’ Safety Net Hospital System
Over the course of the summer, I experienced a full range of emotions about our upcoming election. The first part of the summer was hard. From the upset over the presidential debate in June, to the anger of witnessing the debasing of our political discourse, to the fear of losing our precious democracy, and ultimately … Continue reading Marching Toward the Election: It’s Time to Act
When I wrote “Marching Toward Coverage,” I was in a hurry to get it published before the 2020 election, hoping to inform the debate and protect the Affordable Care Act. I met my publication goal: my book came out on March 3, 2020, as planned, in time for several notable events: Women’s History Month and … Continue reading Four Years Later: Time to Engage
As the temperatures drop and we find ourselves spending more time indoors, it's the perfect season to curl up with a good book. I’ve handpicked a selection of thought-provoking books that are sure to challenge, inspire, and reshape your perspective. These books offer insights into the human spirit and our remarkable ability to evolve. Whether … Continue reading 2023 Winter Bookshelf: Embrace Life!
Summer is here! Once again, I’m happy to share with you some of my favorite books. I hope that you’ll find some time to read this summer, whether you are sipping lemonade in your backyard hammock or enjoying the breeze on a warm, sandy beach. May these recommendations provide new perspectives and help you to … Continue reading Rest, Reflect and Recharge: Summer Reading List 2023
This Mother’s Day, as one of my dearest friends has entered hospice after battling a life-threatening illness for the past 4 ½ years, I want to share the power of my remarkable collective friendship with her and three other women that began 24 years ago. The five of us came together in 1999 through a … Continue reading MOMSTRONG: An Ode to Collective Friendship