NORTH CANAAN — Selectman Susan Clayton was selected by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) to be his guest at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20.
Clayton emailed The Lake-ville Journal upon hearing the news, saying she was very excited. She promised a full report upon her return.
In a press release, Murphy said he selected Clayton because of her story as a breast cancer survivor who has also battled for affordable health care.
Clayton was first diagnosed with the disease as the mother of a toddler at age 31. She was also treated for a recurrence about 10 years ago.
Murphy leads the Senate Democrat’s #ACAworks campaign, which uses real life stories to demonstrate the success of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
In telling Clayton’s story, he stressed how the availability of health insurance benefits steered her career, as she searched for employers whose insurance plans would not reject her because of her pre-existing condition.
Her family was paying more than $1,500 per month out-of-pocket prior to enrolling in a policy under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which reduced monthly payments to under $100. She can still receive annual checkups and screenings.
“It’s an honor to be joined at the State of the Union this year by my friend Susie Clayton,” Murphy wrote. “Susie has been through hell and back to get and keep affordable health care coverage as a cancer survivor. But now, her nightmare is over and she’s on a plan that she and her family can afford, and she can be confident that her insurance company can never drop her or raise her rates just because she had cancer.
“Susie’s story isn’t unique — she represents millions of families who lost everything just because they had a loved one who got sick. I’m proud to be a vocal champion of the Affordable Care Act.”
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
