A Traveling Mom with a Mission

As a mother of two chronically ill adult children, Kathie McClure says she has seen her kids struggle to access reasonably priced health insurance.

Her son, Chris, has type 1 diabetes, while her daughter, Caitlin, suffers from epilepsy. Both have difficulties affording their insurance policies due to these pre-existing conditions.

This sense of maternal frustration mobilized McClure to try to make a difference—not just for her own family but for countless others who encounter similar problems.

Now known as the Purple Bus Lady, McClure has travelled more than 17,500 miles across 28 states with a mission to use a non-partisan approach to educate people about current healthcare issues.

She is also gathering personal stories along the way, with the ultimate goal of sharing the tales with Congress when she arrives in Washington, D.C., on June 24.

McClure, who also writes a blog detailing her journey, says she dreams of a day when all U.S. families have access to the same abundant health resources.

"I gather inspiration every day from the people I meet from all walks of life who face challenges beyond my imagination," McClure says. "I am blessed with the privilege of listening to their stories and offering them hope for a solution."