WASHINGTON, DC - On day 18, "Fast for Families" welcomed the visit of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. SEIU's Eliseo Medina, NAKASEC's Dae Joong Yoon, DREAMer and Mi Familia Vota's Cristian Avila, FIRM's Rudy Lopez and Sojourner's Lisa Sharon Harper, along with 22 other advocates fasting in solidarity, met with the President and First Lady in a private session at the "Fast for Families" tent where both listened closely to the fasters' personal stories.

I'm happy that I took the time to check out my local exchange, even though I had an existing plan, because now I have better coverage at a lower cost. Now, I'm looking forward to making my health care decisions based on what's best for me, rather than basing them on whether I can pay the full cost of my treatment out-of-pocket.

You've seen the news -- Walmart workers from New York to Washington state have been walking off the job and uniting for a living wage. But this Friday, thanks to supporters like you, my coworkers and I are ready to make it even bigger.