Lobbying for Eczema on Virtual Hill Day 2023

On May 16, 2023, more than 40 NEA Ambassadors met with 60+ legislative offices from 19 states to advocate for our eczema community during the National Eczema Association’s (NEA) Virtual Hill Day. Developed by NEA’s advocacy team in 2022, Virtual Hill Day is a two-day event for Ambassadors to meet virtually with legislators to spread eczema awareness and push for improved access to care. 

Here, Ar Ducao, a NEA Ambassador in Brooklyn, New York, shares why they participated two years in a row — and what it was like to get involved in the political process. (Pictured above: Ar Ducao is in top left corner during a call with legislators.)

NEA: Why did you decide to become a NEA Ambassador?

Ar Ducao: I became an Ambassador during the pandemic. Before the pandemic, I traveled a lot. Since I had more time at home and I was less on the go, I started to think more about really trying to treat some of my serious health issues that I kind of had just been suffering through. I started taking dupilumab for my eczema, and I started taking allergy shots. I also signed up for NEA’s email newsletter and I attended Eczema Expo online. Around that time, I also became a labor organizer and I wanted to bring some of my organizing skills to the health issues that I face. This all led me to becoming an Ambassador.

NEA: Why did you feel it was important to participate in NEA’s Virtual Hill Day?

AD: I’m a total news and political news junkie. I follow my legislators very closely. Participating in actual in-person lobby days wasn’t feasible for me. But when Hill Day became virtual during the pandemic, I thought it would be a fun and exciting opportunity.  

I also felt more empowered to speak to my legislators with the support and backing of NEA. They’re a national organization and the Ambassador training before Virtual Hill Day was great. You get to interact with professional medical lobbyists who guide you on the issues and political process.

NEA: What was your experience like participating in Virtual Hill Day 2023?

AD: All three of the issues [Safe Step Act, HELP Copays Act, and eczema research] we were talking to the legislators about are relevant to my life. I’ve faced step therapy and had to take medications that aren’t that effective. I’ve also experienced how complicated it can be to pay for medications, and the process of how to use coupons or figure out copays. I also work in STEM and have worked on government funded initiatives in my day job. As an eczema patient and survivor, I’ve seen the acceleration of treatment options and I know it comes out of government research. This research is important to me, it’s a way to try to find a cure beyond the current treatments.

NEA: What was it like sharing your personal story?

AD: Some of the legislators had direct experiences with eczema, too. Some of them had personal experiences with it. Several connected with my experience of having such bad eczema that they were turned away from donating blood. Sharing stories was a way to connect directly with the legislators.

NEA: Do you have any favorite moments from Virtual Hill Day?

AD: It was fun to talk to some of the same legislative staff that I spoke with last year. Specifically, staff from Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’s office and Senator Chuck Schumer’s office. It felt like a continuation of the conversation. Plus, last year, Representative Velázquez cosponsored the Safe Step Act after we spoke with them. So it was exciting to go back this year and know that talking to these legislators makes a big difference.

NEA: Do you have any advice for others thinking about volunteering at Virtual Hill Day?

AD: Over the last seven years, I’ve become more active in the political process. In addition to Virtual Hill Day, I volunteer for political campaigns, which can be challenging because of the political polarization in our country. But advocating for eczema legislation and research funding is quite bipartisan. I think it’s a great way to participate in the political process in a less politically fraught area. It’s a fun and less stressful way to get involved.

Get involved with eczema advocacy

• If you’re an adult living with eczema or a caregiver of someone with eczema, join NEA Ambassadors and make your voice heard at events, like Virtual Hill Day.
• If you’re not an Ambassador yet, you can still add your voice to Virtual Hill Day by contacting your legislator using our easy pre-filled online form.