I write to express my gratitude to Maine state Sen. Cathy Breen.

This year I helped plan Maine’s first Rare Disease Day event, at the State House in Augusta on Feb. 29. That day Sen. Breen took the time to come and meet with my wife and me, as well as many other Maine families dealing with rare disease. She asked about our daughter Tess’ disease. She listened to our concerns, and gave an impassioned speech, embracing our cause and calling on DHHS to help get us more access to services that we desperately need.

In these times of nationwide division and cynicism, it is refreshing to know that my senator, Cathy Breen, is truly a public servant, in every sense of the phrase. She listens. She is willing to be our champion, to speak for our Tess, who is nonverbal, and for all the others – the 1 in 10 Mainers who suffer from rare diseases. She does not do this for votes or praise, but because she actually cares. Cathy Breen is, quite simply, the way a senator should be.

Bo Bigelow

Falmouth