Opinion

I'm 25 with a terminal disease. We need an FDA commissioner that hears people like me

I'm not asking anyone to promise me forever. I'm asking for the chance to fight for the future I still see

By Elijah Stacy Fox News

Published September 28, 2026 9:00am EDT

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FDA nominee says agency needs more resources for food safety reviews

Dr. Heidi Overton, who is President Donald Trump's pick to lead the FDA, tells senators that the agency's Human Foods Program would require additional resources to handle mandatory notifications and expanded safety evaluations under proposed changes.

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I just turned 25.

People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) aren't expected to see another birthday after this one. DMD is a progressive disease; my muscles weaken over time and things that used to be automatic now take planning, assistance, or simply aren't possible anymore. Even sleeping can be hard. Bed sores are now an issue. Basic physical function takes work most people never have to think about.

I know what the statistics say. I am not ready to let them write the ending of my story.

TRUMP FDA PICK REPEATEDLY SIDESTEPS SANDERS' UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE DEMANDS IN HEATED CLASH

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I want to grow my career, I want to get married and start a family. I want to wake up decades from now and realize that turning 25 wasn't the beginning of the end — it was just another birthday I was blessed enough to reach.

That's why I'm watching the Senate confirmation fight over Dr. Heidi Overton, the nominee to lead the FDA, more closely than most 25-year-olds........

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