MS Activist Diane Whitcraft Announced as State of the Union Guest
February 4, 2019
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today announced that MS activist and retired educator Diane Whitcraft from Webster, Wisconsin, will join her for President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.
Diane lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and had been taking the same medication for more than 23 years. The price of her prescription therapy jumped year after year, and her out of pocket costs were threatening to drain her savings. In 2017, knowing she could no longer afford her medication, Diane made the heart-wrenching decision to stop taking it.
“Drug companies received huge corporate tax breaks from President Trump but they continue to stick Americans with skyrocketing prescription drug prices,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’ve heard from countless Wisconsinites like Diane who can't afford the medicine they have relied on for years. They want Washington to act and it is past time for President Trump to keep his promise to work with Congress on real legislative solutions. We need to help Wisconsin families get the medication they need, at a price they can afford.”
“I’m grateful to Senator Baldwin for inviting me to attend the State of the Union address and for her tireless work to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for rising drug prices,” said Whitcraft. “No one should have to choose between taking the medication they need and draining their savings, but unfortunately after costs kept going up, my husband and I were faced with that very choice. During his address on Tuesday, I hope President Trump will outline a clear plan to help lower prescription drug costs for Wisconsin families like mine.”
Senator Baldwin shared Diane's story on
MSNBC's Morning Joe on February 4, 2019.
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.