Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Ady Barkan

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the passing of health care advocate Ady Barkan:

“Tonight, our nation mourns the heart-breaking loss of Ady Barkan, a loving husband and father, a devoted friend, and a clarion voice for justice.  Everyone who had the honor of being with Ady knew that we were in the presence of greatness: a relentless organizer and beloved leader with indomitable courage.  Ady united a diverse coalition to organize for progressive change – rallying millions of Americans to defend hard-won protections for persons with disabilities and for patients’ rights, and to expand access to quality health care for all.  Ady advanced the simple but essential truth that health care is a right, not a privilege.  Even in his last days, he was fighting to expand Medicare and home care.

“Ady devoted every ounce of his strength to building a brighter, fairer future for his precious children, Carl and Willow – a future he knew he would never get to see.  What a blessing it was that Ady was able to be present at the FDR Four Freedoms Awards on September 23rd, where he deservedly received the distinguished Freedom From Want Award and spoke forcefully about the urgency of health justice.  It was my privilege to be there with him and his beautiful family that day, hear him urge us all to Be A Hero, and again tell him that he was mine.

“May it be a comfort to his loving wife Rachael, his beautiful children Carl and Willow, and the entire Barkan family that Ady has touched the lives of millions across our nation and that so many Americans mourn with them at this sad time.  Ady Barkan’s life was a blessing.  May he rest in peace.”