Holly'sHere

Dr. Amy Acton: Growing up in Youngstown, my brother Phil and I endured abuse, hunger, and neglect — even spending one winter homeless living in a tent. We were often kept in a dark basement, were frequent-fliers with child protective services, and lived in fear of our birth mother’s violent and erratic temper. Between the ages of 10 and 12, I was sexually abused by her husband, while my birth mother did nothing to protect me. I’ve always known that she was deeply sick and unwell, and it’s sad to see Vivek Ramaswamy exploit her all for his own political gain. Eventually, I confided in my father and stepmother, and we were removed from that situation. My birth mother’s husband was arrested, charged with rape, and indicted by a grand jury. At 12 years old, I testified in court. I haven't seen my birth mother since that day in 1978. She and her husband fled the state and he was declared a fugitive. I know what it feels like to be a child who is hungry, frightened, and uncertain of what tomorrow will bring. I know what it means to feel powerless and to depend on the courage and compassion of others to find a way forward. Those experiences shaped my values, my compassion, and my belief that every person deserves to be safe, to be heard, and to have a fair chance at a better life. They are part of what led me to become a doctor, to dedicate my life to public service, and to fight for people who too often feel forgotten or left behind. And they are why I will never stop fighting for Ohio's most vulnerable — especially the children and families who deserve the safety, dignity, opportunity, and hope that every Ohioan should have. No one in Ohio will ever be invisible to me