Ady Barkan: A Champion for Healthcare Rights
The world lost a remarkable advocate for healthcare rights when Ady Barkan, a prominent attorney and activist, passed away at the age of 39. Ady's legacy goes beyond his legal prowess, as he left an indelible mark on the fight for better healthcare in America.
Ady Barkan's journey began at Columbia University, where he pursued his undergraduate education, and continued at Yale, where he earned his law degree. Throughout his college years, Ady was actively involved in various political causes, but it was his battle with ALS that catapulted him into the spotlight as a healthcare activist.
One of the pivotal moments in Ady's life was captured on camera when he engaged in a passionate exchange with Arizona Senator Jeff Flake. He fervently urged Flake to “be an American hero” and inspired the birth of the Be A Hero initiative, which he co-founded. Be A Hero is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming America's healthcare system to ensure that every individual receives the care and dignity they deserve.
In 2018, Ady took legal action against the Southern California-based insurer, Health Net, accusing them of denying benefits to their members. His relentless efforts didn't go unnoticed, and in 2020, Time magazine recognized him on their list of the Most Influential People.
Ady's personal battle with ALS, a diagnosis he received in 2016, became a driving force for his advocacy work. Be A Hero's website states that Ady specialized in bringing policymakers face-to-face with the individuals whose lives were directly affected by their decisions. He had a unique ability to generate public attention and political pressure by orchestrating these confrontations. From 2017 onward, Ady channeled his own paralysis due to ALS to implore Americans to demand more from their government in terms of healthcare.
Ady's wife, Rachael, shared the heartbreaking news of his passing on his social media account, describing him not only as a healthcare activist but also as a wonderful father and her life partner of 18 years. His loss is deeply felt by all those who knew him.
In a heartfelt tribute to Ady, Be A Hero emphasized that his spirit will continue to be at the heart of their organization for years to come. Ady Barkan's tireless dedication to the cause of healthcare reform has left an enduring legacy that will inspire others to carry on the fight for a fair and just healthcare system in America.
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