Victoria Lopez is a high school senior from Florida and a CDC Ambassador.
Hi everyone!
My name is Victoria Lopez, and my journey into chronic illness advocacy began long before I had the language to describe what I was living through. I grew up navigating life with two rare chronic illnesses called gastroparesis and idiopathic megacolon. These conditions shaped not just my health, but ultimately, my purpose.
By the time I was eight, hospitals had become more familiar than playgrounds. I learned early what many adults never have to: that access to care can mean the difference between life and death, and that not everyone is given that access equally.
Even though I never imagined myself becoming an advocate, silence wasn’t an option.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
After surviving multiple near-death episodes and years of unpredictable hospitalizations, the future felt blurry. I had to step back from school many times, and throughout my high school years, I often felt lost, isolated, and unsure of what my life could look like outside hospital walls.
Talking to other pediatric patients further opened my eyes. So many of us were fighting just to be believed. Specialists dismissed symptoms that were life-altering and Insurance denied essential diagnostic tests without hesitation.
I realized that if the systems meant to protect patients weren’t built for people like me, then I needed to work to change them.
That realization led me to explore how policy shapes outcomes for children with chronic illness; I analyzed how Medicaid improves survival rates for pediatric patients. That research continues to guide and ground the work I do.
That was the turning point for me. Not from illness to remission, but from patient to advocate.
Becoming a Voice for Others
As I continued managing my conditions, I became increasingly involved in national advocacy. I now serve as a youth storyteller, sharing my lived experience with lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and policy organizations.
I’ve spoken at federal and statewide congressional conferences, elevating the barriers patients face and emphasizing the urgency of inclusive, patient-centered care.
Through my project, Advacatori, I’ve helped more than 55 families across Florida and other states navigate complex healthcare systems, appeal insurance denials, and access diagnoses and treatment. Many of these families felt invisible until someone sat beside them and said, “I believe and support you.”
Making a difference in the world is what motivates me every day.
Balancing Advocacy, Caregiving, and Academics
Throughout this journey, I’ve also taken on major caregiving responsibilities at home. I've supported my two younger siblings and two disabled relatives. Some days I wrote speeches from emergency rooms or attended school virtually while recovering from procedures. I wanted to show my siblings that even in overwhelming circumstances, we can still move forward.
Despite everything, I kept going. I am now proud to be my high school’s valedictorian, graduating early in February as I prepare to study public policy in college.
For years, I was embarrassed to talk about my health, believing chronic illness made me weak. I now understand the opposite is true: my lived experience is not something to hide. It truly is the foundation of my purpose and continues to make me stronger.
Why I Advocate
I advocate because I’ve seen firsthand how chronic illness consumes families physically, financially, and emotionally. I’ve seen how policy failures fall hardest on those already fighting to survive. And I’ve seen how much hope can come from one person choosing to speak up.
I want to dedicate my life to ensuring no patient is left to navigate illness alone and no family slips through the cracks of a broken system. Policy should be shaped by the people it affects most.
I am forever grateful to the Chronic Disease Coalition for giving patients like me a platform. Their support is one of the reasons I chose to advocate beyond myself. They're one of the first organizations to believe in me and I'm thriving because of it.
A Final Note
To everyone fighting to be seen: you are so loved, and your story holds power.
Become the change you want to see in the world.
Much love,
Tori