<div>Hello! I’m Briana Raucci, I’m a Connecticut-based artist specializing in film and digital photography, writing &amp; design. I also have multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, endometriosis, ADHD, PMDD, POTS, and more.
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<div>These conditions impact my daily life, but they also give me a unique perspective on disability, accessibility, and the current state of the American healthcare system — a perspective I’ve been sharing through my <a href="https://www.brianaraucci.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disability &amp; Art Blog</a>.
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<div><strong>Why This Matters: Keeping My Blog Free for Everyone</strong>
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<div>For the past year, I’ve been writing my blog unpaid, sharing personal experiences, research, advocacy, and art to help others feel seen, informed, and empowered. Many people with disabilities struggle to access healthcare information, feel alone with their conditions, or don’t have the resources to navigate complex systems. I never want people to have to pay to feel seen. I want to keep my blog free, but I can't continue doing this work without financial support.
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<div><strong>What Your Support Will Fund</strong>
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<div>Right now, I’m forced to take paid work that pulls me away from writing. If this campaign is funded, I can dedicate my time to in-depth, investigative journalism that advocates for people with disabilities. Here’s what I want to do:
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<li>Investigate Disability Policy – Interview state representatives on the future of Medicaid, Medicare, and Section 504 protections for disabled individuals, and discuss ways to improve the healthcare system for all. 
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<li>Amplify Medical Voices – Speak with doctors and specialists to break down complex conditions and provide fact-based, accessible health information.
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<li>Expose the Impact of NIH Cuts – Interview disabled researchers affected by funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and explore what this means for disability research.
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<li>Advocate for Remote Work &amp; Accessibility – Dive into how remote work policies empower disabled professionals and push for companies to adopt more inclusive hiring practices.
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<li>Examine Disability Representation in Media – Break down how TV, film, and social media shape public perceptions of disability—for better or worse.
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<div>This is work that takes time, effort, and resources. Without funding, I simply can't afford to do it.
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<div><strong>The Return on Investment: Why Your Support Matters</strong>
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<div>Your donation isn’t just about funding my blog; it’s about creating meaningful and impactful change. Your donation helps amplify disabled voices in policy, medicine, and media.
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<li>You’re funding free, high-quality journalism that educates and empowers.
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<li>You’re making sure disabled individuals don’t have to pay for critical information.
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<li>You’re supporting an artist who has been doing this work unpaid for a year and is ready to take it to the next level.
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<li>You're funding disability advocacy through art and visual mediums.
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<li>You're assisting in faster production times.
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<div><strong>How the Funds Will Be Used</strong>
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<div>All donations will be placed into my ABLE Account (Achieving a Better Life Experience), a savings account for people with disabilities. This will allow me to:
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<li>Cover living and medical expenses so I can prioritize writing.
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<li>Invest in interview and research costs for disability journalism.
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<li>Dedicate time to long-form investigative articles that advocate for systemic change.
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<div><strong>Upcoming Articles That Your Support Will Fund</strong>
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<li>How Executive Actions Impact Disabled People – A deep dive into how federal decisions affect disabled communities—and how we can protect ourselves.
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<li>The Benefits of Remote Work for Disabled People – Breaking down how accessibility and flexibility empower the disabled community.
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<li>Endometriosis Surgery &amp; Recovery – A personal journey through surgery, recovery, and the gaps in medical understanding.
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<li>The Double-Edged Sword | Passing as Able-Bodied as a Disabled Woman – Exploring the unique struggles of being perceived as “not disabled enough” by society.
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<li>The Reality of Chronic Pain – What pain feels like, how it looks, and the ways it shapes daily life.
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<li>How to Be a Meaningful Ally to Disabled People – Actionable steps for supporting and advocating for disability rights.
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<li>Supporting a Family Member with Disabilities – A guide for family members to better understand and assist their loved ones.
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<li>Disability Advocacy Groups You Should Know About – Shining a light on organizations making real change.
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<li>The Power of Comedy in Navigating Disability – How humor can help us cope, challenge ableism, and create community.
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<div><strong>What Are Your Qualifications?</strong>
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<div>Great question! Aside from having over 20 diagnosed medical conditions, which have taught me to be creative, resourceful, and inquisitive, I also have a BA in Photojournalism from Emmanuel College and an MS in Interactive Media &amp; Communications with a concentration in User Experience Design from Quinnipiac University. I am an independent thinker with a love for philosophy, critical thinking, art, and advocacy.
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<div><strong>Why Is Independent Journalism So Important?</strong>
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<div>We are living in a time of grave systemic failures, corruption, and lack of meaningful action by both political parties and the mainstream media. I choose to channel my frustration with empty rhetoric, corporate influence, and the prioritization of power over people into meaningful articles. I choose to advocate for a system that works for the people, not just for the wealthy and powerful.
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<div>Together, we can challenge outdated systems, amplify disabled voices, and advocate for a more inclusive world.
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<div><strong>If you believe in free, accessible disability journalism, please consider donating. Every contribution helps me continue this work. Let’s make sure disability voices are heard, policies are held accountable, and people never feel alone in their conditions.</strong>
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<div>All donors will get a shout-out on my blog! <a href="https://www.brianaraucci.com/links" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Please subscribe to my newsletter for updates</a>!
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<div><strong>Thank you for your support!</strong>
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