Many thanks to Laura Marston for joining us as the inaugural guest on Very Light, No Sugar’s Coffee Dates interview series.  With a template similar to the brief “getting to know you” interviews in pop culture magazines, VLNS’ Coffee Dates provides a snapshot of important people, entities, and topics in the healthcare world.

 

A:  I just have to ask: How badass is it to be a video game lawyer?

L:  It’s an absolute dream job. I work alongside the most brilliant minds in the gaming industry (*cough* Todd Howard *cough*) and work for a truly incredible company. Plus, after spending ten years working for large law firms as an IP trial attorney, I’m just happy I don’t have to wear a suit. 🙂

 

A:  You have elevated the insulin access and affordability causes through Twitter and interviews with the likes of the Washington Post. Even President Obama has noticed your humble yet lifesaving advocacy! What would you recommend to individuals looking to get more involved, whether at the local level or beyond?

L:  Start small. Start anywhere. TELL YOUR STORY because it’s important and it matters. You may be surprised who relates (in my case, it happened to be Senator Bernie Sanders!) Passion and the truth will trump greed and lies every. single. time. And our passion is endless because our lives literally depend on this issue.

 

A:  If you were to describe the affordable insulin cause in 140 characters (give or take- humor me here!) to someone who does not know much about diabetes, what would you highlight? 

L:  The patent for insulin was sold in 1921 for $3. Almost 100 years later, a month’s supply of insulin costs over $1,000. The price of insulin affects not just the un- or underinsured, but all of us. Our country was founded upon the individual rights to life and liberty. All humans need insulin to live, and injections of insulin are necessary to sustain life for T1Ds. Thus, access to insulin is a basic, fundamental human right.

 

A:  What’s up next for 2017? 

L:  Look for more localized advocacy work, as well as a federal advocacy initiative highlighting the importance of the ACA in the wake of skyrocketing insulin prices. Anyone interested in getting involved in our US-specific insulin advocacy efforts should contact me at laura.marston@gmail.com.

 

A:  Cream in your coffee?

L:  Cream + about a million Splenda. 🙂