Make Your Voice Heard
A note on lobbying: The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is a nonprofit organization, and this campaign is education and awareness only. We are not asking anyone to support or oppose any specific bill or piece of legislation, and this information should not be read as a lobbying effort on our part.
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In 2026, two sitting members of Congress (Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)) have died from aortic dissection. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR) is a survivor of aortic dissection and living proof that recognition and timely surgery save lives. This is a rare moment when aortic disease is visible and personal to Congress itself.
We’re asking our community to contact their own U.S. Senators and Representative and ask them to raise awareness of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection and support increased federal research funding. A personal message or call from a constituent carries far more weight with congressional staff than a form letter sent to a handful of offices, so we’ve put together a simple template and a few talking points to help you make it your own.
This campaign is intended for U.S. residents contacting their own federal elected officials.
How to Participate
Personalize your message. Start from the template and talking points below, but write the opening in your own words: your own diagnosis, a loved one you lost, or a family member or friend living with this condition. Shared talking points matter more than identical wording, and offices notice when messages feel personal rather than copied.
Submit it, or call instead (or both). Most congressional offices only accept messages through their own website contact form, so please submit your letter there rather than by email. Phone calls matter just as much, if not more. Offices log every call that comes in, and even a short, genuine conversation, or a clear voicemail, gets noticed.
Record your work: Make sure you log your efforts so we can see the momentum build.
Written Template
Dear [Senator/Representative Last Name],
[PERSONALIZE: In 2–3 sentences, share your own connection to thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection. This could be your own diagnosis, a loved one you lost, or a family member or friend who is living with this condition.]
In 2026, your colleagues Rep. Doug LaMalfa and Sen. Lindsey Graham both died from aortic dissection, a serious, under-recognized, and often misdiagnosed medical emergency. Sen. John Boozman, who survived an aortic dissection, is living proof that recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly can save a life.
The actor John Ritter, for whom the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is named, died from an aortic dissection in 2003. Approximately 20,000 Americans experience an aortic dissection each year, and up to 50% may die before reaching medical care. Aortic dissection can happen to people of any age, sex, or race.
I am writing to ask you to help raise awareness of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection and support increased federal research funding for this condition.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with your staff.
Thank you for your time and your service.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, State]
Phone Call Talking Points
- Start with who you are: Give your name and say that you are a constituent from [City, State].
- Share your connection to aortic disease: In one sentence, share your personal connection. This could be a loss, your own diagnosis, or your role in supporting a friend or family member.
- Talk about why this matters now: “In 2026, two of your colleagues in Congress, Rep. LaMalfa and Sen. Graham, died from aortic dissection. Sen. Boozman is a survivor. This can happen to anyone.”
- Make the ask: “Please help us raise awareness of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection and support increased federal research funding for aortic disease.”
- Thank the staffer: If you get their name, thank them by name. And don’t worry if you reach voicemail, it will still be logged. Leave a short, clear voicemail.