“Susan has always been there for families living with pre-existing conditions.”

BANGOR, Maine — Senator Susan Collins is a steadfast champion of the nearly 600,000 Mainers who live with one or more pre-existing conditions. In a new ad released today, Brian Denger from Biddeford expresses his family’s appreciation of the Senator’s long record of work to help - not only his family but so many other Maine families like his.

Matthew Denger, who served as an intern in Senator Collins’ federal office, was 20 years old when he died in 2013. His brother, Patrick, is now 22-years old and a graduate of the University of New England. Senator Collins first met the Denger family in 2001, and, as Brian Denger says, she has been an "effective advocate" for families dealing with pre-existing genetic disorders ever since.

Senator Collins has long advocated for policies that protect Mainers with pre-existing conditions.  She cast a decisive vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act and was the first Republican senator to speak out against repeal without an adequate replacement that continued to protect people living with pre-existing conditions.

“Susan hasn’t changed; she’s always been there for families living with pre-existing conditions,” said Denger. “Susan protects our care and gives us hope.”

Ad Transcript:

Our sons, Matthew and Patrick, were born with a pre-existing condition, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life-limiting genetic muscle disorder, but there was very little research being done. (Brian Denger)

19 years ago, I met Susan Collins. She took my passion for helping our sons - supporting legislation that has improved quality of life and survival. (Brian Denger)

Susan hasn’t changed; she's always been there for families living with pre-existing conditions. (Brian Denger)

Susan protects our care and gives us hope. (Brian Denger)

I’m Susan Collins, and I’ve approved this message. (Sen. Collins)

###