My name is Giovanna Burno, I am from Denver, Colorado, and I am a patient living with transverse myelitis, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), migraines, and chronic fatigue. 

I am thankful to have medical insurance coverage, but without it, my neurogenic prescriptions would be costly. Some notable drug names are Nurtec, Rizatriptan, and Doxepin. These medicines carry high costs that could fall upon me the moment my insurance fails to protect me. This worry has completely changed the way I live, function, and see myself. I am no longer fully independent and need help with basic things like showering. I miss activities like camping or going out with friends but I know I am living a harder, but good, life. 

Many sacrifices have been made due to the state of my health and the possible financial costs it can produce. Some notable sacrifices have been my independence, a bit of my dignity, and my ability to make choices freely with some carefree behavior as my peers in their 20’s like me.

I advocate for lower prescription drug prices because I do not want to sacrifice anything else in my life.