DNC's final day

I blog tonight as my clothes are being dry cleaned for the next leg of the trip. It has been a wonderful experience to be here in Denver Colorado for the Democratic National Convention.

Christina Metzler and I began our day at the book signing with Nancy Pelosi for her recently published book entitled "Know your Power" A message to America's Daughters. Madam speaker shared a bit about how the book came to fruition and also took questions from the audience. One person asked how she came to the title. Her response created a link between AOTA and madam speaker. As it turns out one of Speaker Pelosi's mentors is Lindy Boggs. Congresswoman Boggs listened to the titles Speaker Pelosi was considering for her book and at the end of the conversation the former Congresswoman left Speaker Pelosi with this message "know your power." AOTA has an advocacy award named the Lindy Boggs Award. It was incredible to uncover this link.

Beth Fletcher a CHT in Denver and a proud AOTA member joined me for a Creative Coalition fundraiser entitled "From Hollywood to the Hill: Speak out on Healthcare. This star studded event included Senator Liz Fowler, Gloria Rueben (Jeanie from ER), Tim Daley, Representative Lois Cobbs of California, representatives from the AARP regarding the Divided We Fail campaign, Matthew McConaughey, Ann Hathaway, and Susan Sarandon For more information check out the following links: http://www.dividedwefail.org/ and http://healthcareforamericanow.org/.

From the Creative Coalition event we attended the Women's Senate Reception were we met up with Christina Metzler and Melisa Weiser-Rose. When I met Melisa I noticed her recall that Sue Goswezski and I had dinner with her at the California Pizza Kitchen in Long Beach during the most recent AOTA annual conference. Melisa is a mental health occupational therapist here in Denver and also a proud member of AOTA. At the event we heard from Senator Amy Klobucher of Minnesota, Senator Mikulski of Maryland, and Barbara Boxer. All were provided with Grip and Grin brochures and Senator Klobucher had an opportunity to share with us how she had an injury from handshaking during her campaign. Senator Mikulski had great words of understanding and support for occupational therapy as mentioned in a previous post. We have a great advocate in her.

From the Women's Senate Reception we dashed to make the final DSCC bus to Invesco Field for Senator Obama's acceptance speech. We met with Jackie Murphy, a pediatric occupational therapist from Denver and hopped on the pedicab with our good friend Matt for a quick ride to catch the bus to the field. It was quite the site as the three of us rode in the rickshaw. Jackie and Beth were kind enough to let the AOTPAC chair ride on their laps for the ride as we had a big time crunch to catch the final DSCC bus. Rush, Rush, Rush we did and thanks to great driving by Matt we made it with time to spare. Turns out we had ample time to spare as the bus was running behind schedule. When it arrived Jackie, Beth and I boarded and were taken to Invesco Field. We were fortunate to have a short 5 minute wait to go through security and off to our seats we went. Jackie had a credential that allowed her a seat on the 100 level and promised she will blog on her experience. Beth and I had credentials for club level which afforded us the opportunity to be about 20 feet from Hilary Clinton and Madeline Albright in the skybox right behind us. We were to the front of the stage and had an exceptional experience. I promised I'd let Beth share her thoughts with you on the experience.

I enjoyed spending time with our members Jackie, Beth, and Melisa. I am always reminded of the bond we share in occupational therapy as it is like an immediate friend when you meet a colleague. In this case I was able to catch a ride on Jackie and Beth's laps after only minutes of knowing them so we "bonded" quickly.

You are all probably wondering were are the pictures. They are coming, I promise. I will be headed home (back to Omaha) on my way to the Twin Cities for the Republican National Convention and will work to get some pictures online soon.

Thanks to all of you who are dialing in to the activities of AOTPAC and AOTA at the convention. Know that your profession is in good hands, go out, spread the word about the good things we are doing and encourage your colleagues to be members of the association and contributors to AOTPAC as this crucial election year is proving to provide great opportunity for occupational therapy!

Amy