Happy 25th Birthday, Skye!

Today, my daughter, Skye, turns 25, and while I'm celebrating the incredible woman she has become, this birthday carries a deeper meaning for me. Skye is the reason I do what I do in the legislative healthcare space. Every policy I advocate for, and every conversation I have about access to care, insurance reform, and patient protections is rooted in our family's lived experience. Healthcare has never been an abstract policy issue to me....it has always been very personal.

As the mother of a medically complex child, I've experienced firsthand the challenges families face when navigating insurance coverage, continuity of care, and access to lifesaving treatment. That's why the Affordable Care Act's provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent's health insurance until age 26 has always meant so much to our family. Although Skye has had health insurance through her employer for the past two years and we've intentionally transitioned her to her own coverage, knowing she could remain on my plan has provided an invaluable safety net should anything unexpected happen.

Now, as she enters her 25th year, we're approaching the final chapter before that safety net ends. For many families, turning 26 is simply another birthday. For families managing chronic illness, it represents a significant transition: one that raises important questions about maintaining coverage, continuity of care, provider networks, and access to necessary medications and specialists. These aren't hypothetical policy discussions for us; instead, they're realities that millions of families face every day.

This milestone serves as a reminder of why I remain committed to advocating for policies that protect patients, strengthen access to healthcare, and support families navigating complex medical conditions. Behind every healthcare bill is a person and behind every policy decision is a family whose future may be changed by it. That perspective continues to guide my work.

Twenty-five years ago, I became Skye's mom. I never could have imagined how much she would shape not only my life but also my purpose. She has taught me resilience, perseverance, and what it truly means to fight for someone you love. She is, and always will be, the reason I found my voice in healthcare advocacy.

Happy 25th Birthday, Skye. I couldn't be prouder of the woman you've become, and I'm grateful every day that I get to be your mom. ❤️

-Tomiyo Williams