Franklin Matters: Senate President Spilka: From the Bottom of my Heart

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Senate President Spilka: From the Bottom of my Heart - Thank You

Dear Friend,

As 2021 draws to a close, my heart is filled with gratitude. To everyone who has supported the work of the Massachusetts State Senate and me personally, I just want to say: thank you.

Like so many of you, my 2021 was filled with ups and downs.

I have been incredibly proud of the work the Massachusetts State Senate has done this year to continue to address the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including seeing a $4 billion economic recovery package signed into law, as well as passing a comprehensive bill to reform mental health care delivery in Massachusetts.

But I have also had my share of struggles, including being diagnosed by my doctors as having had a mild stroke in November. I am feeling stronger every day, and my doctors expect a full recovery within a matter of weeks. As I reflect on this experience, I am so very grateful to the medical professionals I worked with for their assistance, especially as many have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to care for those with COVID-19.

I am also grateful to everyone who has reached out to support me in my recovery. Because of your support, I am energized by the work ahead. We have important work to do on mental health care, childcare, our climate and much more. I look forward to working with all of you on the issues that matter most to the residents of our Commonwealth.

As we move into a new year, I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy 2022!

Warm regards,

Sharing Awareness About Stroke

In mid-November, I experienced what my doctors diagnosed as a mild stroke. I shared my story in a televised interview because I wanted people to see firsthand that I'm doing well.

I also feel it would be a missed opportunity not to speak up. I hope that by telling my story, I can help raise awareness about those who have survived and thrived after experiencing stroke, and encourage those who are experiencing symptoms to seek help immediately.

Watch my televised interview with Alison King of NBC Boston here.

Political Harmony in Massachusetts

I had a lot of fun joining in Alison King's annual tradition, 'Political Harmony' to join my colleagues and partners in government in singing "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town." Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful tradition.

Watch this holiday video here.