Healthcare Champion Ady Barkan Dies at 39

– Activist Ady Barkan, who campaigned for Medicare for all while battling A.L.S., has passed away at age 39. Diagnosed in 2016, Barkan dedicated the remainder of his life to transforming the American health care system, testifying before Congress, interviewing Democratic presidential candidates, and speaking at the Democratic National Convention.
– Barkan was born in Boston in 1983 and was raised in Cambridge, Mass., and California. He initially sought a career as a lawyer, but became a full-time activist following the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011. His work encompassed rights for immigrants and workers, ending mass incarceration, and reforming the Federal Reserve. After his diagnosis, his activism reached new heights, including confronting Senator Jeff Flake over a Republican tax bill and protesting the Supreme Court nomination of Brett M. Kavanaugh.
– Barkan co-founded the political organization Be a Hero in 2018, which campaigned on various issues including protecting nurses during the pandemic and replacing Senate Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections. Despite endorsing the Democratic nominee, Joseph R. Biden Jr., for the 2020 presidential election, Barkan disagreed with Biden on health care policy. He leaves behind his wife, two children, parents, a brother, and several aunts and uncles.

Ady Barkan, Renowned Medicare Activist, Passes Away at 39

Famous Medicare activist Ady Barkan, known for advocating healthcare reform amid his battle with terminal A.L.S., has passed away at 39. His death was announced on Wednesday by activist group Be a Hero, which he co-founded in 2018. Barkan died of A.L.S. complications at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Diagnosed with A.L.S. in 2016, Barkan devoted his life to transforming the American healthcare system, using his personal narrative to drive action. His influence soared as his health declined; he testified before Congress and spoke at the Democratic National Convention, achieving recognition despite his deteriorating health.

Barkan’s Journey: Activist and Family Man

Born Ohad Barkan in Boston in 1983, Barkan grew up in Massachusetts and California. Active in politics from a young age, he volunteered for Adam Schiff’s election campaign. He met his wife Rachael King at Columbia University, where they both worked for the student newspaper.

Originally planning a career in law, Barkan became a full-time activist after joining the Occupy Wall Street protests. He championed progressive causes like immigrant rights, ending mass incarceration, and Federal Reserve reform. Upon contracting A.L.S., he gained prominence as a social media star and left-wing hero.

Barkan’s Influence and Legacy

Barkan was adept at drawing attention to his causes, confronting Senator Jeff Flake over a tax bill that could lead to healthcare cuts. His organization, Be a Hero, focused on protecting nurses during the pandemic and replacing harmful Senate Republicans in the midterm elections.

Despite endorsing the Democratic nominee, Joseph R. Biden Jr., Barkan openly disagreed with him on healthcare policy. In a Zoom discussion with Biden, Barkan advocated for a significant increase in the National Institutes of Health budget.

Remembering Barkan

Barkan is survived by his parents, his wife, their two children Carl and Willow, a brother, and several aunts and uncles. A video celebrating his life summarized his mission: “He helps to make sure it’s not too expensive for people to go to the doctor.”

Despite his illness, Barkan remained energetic and optimistic, traveling to 22 states in 40 days in 2018. He argued that home- and community-based care deserved more federal funding in a New York Times Op-Ed.

Barkan’s life and legacy serve as a testament to his transformative work and indomitable spirit. His influence on American healthcare will continue to resonate.

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