HOUSE PASSES HEALTH CARE REFORM IN HISTORIC VOTE;
DE LA CRUZ SUPPORTERS CELEBRATE, VOW TO FINISH THE JOB

In a historic 219-212 vote Sunday night, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Senate health care reform bill, making it possible for President Barack Obama to soon sign into law the most significant social legislation in decades. After nearly a year of hard fought advocacy, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way, Veronica De La Cruz can finally taste victory in her battle for health care reform in memory of the brother who passed away last July.

“My brother Eric is smiling today,” said De La Cruz from Paris, where she is researching public policy toward health care in the country ranked #1 by the World Health Organization. “Finally, as a country, we have taken a major step forward in improving the lives of millions of Americans, and future generations. I am devastated not to have Eric here with me to celebrate, but I also know that, in a way, he’s always been with me throughout this battle. It wouldn’t have been possible without him.”

De La Cruz has been campaigning for reform in health care ever since her brother, Eric De La Cruz, passed away in July 2009 while awaiting a heart transplant delayed for years by a lack of adequate insurance. For months, she has worked closely with lawmakers in shedding light on the real cost of inaction on health care. Numerous trips to the Capitol gave De La Cruz a rare opportunity to convey her brother’s story directly to those who would be voting on the bill that could address obstacles he faced. Backed by a large grassroots network of supporters, De La Cruz has mobilized thousands to act via rallies, fax campaigns, letter writing and phone calls.

“The passage of the bill through the House was so historic and something that so many people have fought so long for. Sadly, it came too late for many of those fighting for it, including my brother,” said De La Cruz. “And for those people, we must continue to work to make sure the Senate now does its part in passing carefully crafted amendments through the reconciliation process. We cannot afford to take anything for granted. Even after the President signs this bill into law, we must continue to work hard in coming years to continually improve health care law. This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.”

De La Cruz thanked those most instrumental in the House’s final passage of the bill, including Nancy Pelosi, Henry Waxman, Jan Schakowsky, Dina Titus, Anthony Weiner, Charles Rangel, John Dingell and others, many with whom she personally met to discuss Eric’s story.

De La Cruz is encouraging supporters to call Congress at 202-224-3121 and ask for their Senators’ offices to demand that they support the amendments forwarded by the House via reconciliation. She also encourages people to visit www.ericslaw.com to find out how to get involved.

Read the full press release (PDF) here

DIGITAL JOURNAL COVERS VERONICA GOING TO DC

Digital Journal publishes an article covering Veronica De La Cruz's visits to the Captiol oin her effort to get lawmakers to wake up to the need for strong health care reform in memory of her brother Eric. Read the whole article by KJ Mullins here.

Read Digital Journal here

 

VERONICA SPEAKS AT NY TIMES SQUARE RALLY

Veronica De La Cruz spoke eloquently at a health care vigil organized by MoveOn in Times Square December 8. She shared her experience and urged those in attendance to act to make reform a reality.

More about the rally

 

VERONICA SPEAKS AT KALUSUGAN COALITION

Veronica De La Cruz shared Eric's story with the Kalusugan Coalition last week at a Benefit Gala honoring individuals who have worked tirelessly to improve access and quality of healthcare for the Filipino-American community in New York and New Jersey.

More About Kalusugan Coalition

DE LA CRUZ IN AUDREY MAGAZINE

Audrey Magazine covers Veornica's fight for health care reform in its Spring 2010 issue. Check out Veronica's essay featured in the current issue of Audrey.

Read It Here

 

GOOD DAY LA

Fox's morning show Good Day LA featured Veronica De La Cruz this month. Discussing the need for reform and the obstacles her brother faced, Veronica reached millions of west coast viewers.

See It Here

 

ALAN COLMES SHOW

Fox News Radio Host Alan Colmes interviews Veronica De La Cruz

Listen to Veronica share details of Eric's case and the most recent developments with liberal talk show host and political commentator Alan Colmes.

Listen It Here

 

ERIC'S STORY IN GLAMOUR MAGAZINE

The November 2009 issue of Glamour magazine shares the story of Eric De La Cruz, as told by his sister Veronica. The article, written beautifully by Marina Khidekel, is the emotional side of the need for change in our broken health care system.

Read the Article Here

 

LISTEN TO VERONICA ON THE BEV SMITH SHOW

Veronica De La Cruz was interviewed by syndicated radio talk show host Bev Smith, listen to the whole story now.

Veronica shares Eric's story and why she is fighting so hard for health care reform in this emotional interview with national talk show host Bev Smith.

Listen to the Interview Here

 

American families with insurance pay a hidden tax of roughly $1,000 for the cost of caring for people without insurance. As more Americans become insured, that hidden tax will begin to disappear. In addition, covering everyone will put downward pressure on costs. Bringing younger, healthier people into the system will spread the risk. As more Americans become covered, insurance companies will compete for their business. That will begin to lower costs. And health insurance reform will create stability and security for everyone. If you lose or change jobs you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you will always be able to find an affordable health insurance option for your family.