05/18/2026
What does advocacy look like? It looks like Bridget, Mariana, Marian, Brian, and Anne. 👇
Last Friday, members of the Cedars community — clients, family members, board members, co-executive directors, and staff — came together at the Golden Gate Regional Center legislative breakfasts to speak directly to elected officials at a critical moment: the finalization of California's state budget.
We are so proud of the five members of our community who stood up and spoke: clients Bridget and Mariana, Marian (Bridget's mom), board member Brian Colbert, and Anne Trombo (Cedars client Lucy's sister). Each of them brought their voice, their story, and their conviction to the room — speaking to the promise of the Lanterman Act and the very real impact that budget cuts have on people with developmental disabilities and their families. Anne was the event's keynote speaker.
It takes courage to speak truth to power. And the rest of our community showed up to listen, to support, and to stand alongside them.
To Bridget, Mariana, Marian, Brian, and Anne — thank you. You reminded all of us why this work matters and what's possible when our community raises its voice together.
The work continues — and we are stronger together. 💙
