I am writing to request financial support for my upcoming participation in the 2026 Washington, D.C. Career Exploration Trip organized annually by the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. I have officially accepted my invitation to attend this year’s program, which will take place March 10–12, 2026. This opportunity will allow me to engage with legislators, policymakers, and corporate leaders in our nation’s capital.

Because of my disability, I am required to travel with a minimum of two Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), which significantly increases the cost of travel, lodging, and meals. In addition to participating in the scheduled program, I am hoping to extend my stay from March 8–14 to maximize the impact of this trip. While in Washington, D.C., I plan to meet with legislators and their staff to advocate for national legislation that would allow cameras in all healthcare patients’ rooms, with consent only at the patients' or family request. A similar bill, HF3077, is currently circulating in Minnesota. This issue deserves national attention to help protect vulnerable patients, promote transparency, and give families peace of mind. Being physically present in D.C. provides a rare and meaningful opportunity to initiate these conversations at the federal level.

Your support would help cover airfare for myself and two PCAs, lodging, meals, transportation, and additional expenses related to advocacy, such as printing materials. Any contribution, large or small, would directly support both my professional development and my advocacy efforts to protect vulnerable patients in healthcare facilities across the country. Thank you for considering my request and for supporting disability advocacy and vulnerable patients' rights. I would be happy to provide additional details or a budget breakdown upon request.