Advocates in Action: Sean Severn (SEBCM Hawaii)

Advocates in Action: Sean Severn (SEBCM Hawaii)

Meet Sean Severn, one of the State Leads for SEBCM Hawaii and a passionate advocate deeply driven by personal experience. The Severn family faced significant challenges after their daughter, Meg, lost her leg to a rare cancerous bone tumor. This experience brought the Severn family face-to-face with the harsh realities many encounter in accessing appropriate prosthetics for physical activity through insurance. Though fortunate to receive charitable support that enabled Meg to return to the sports she loves, this experience highlighted the broader issue many face without such assistance.

Motivated by Meg’s resilience and the urgent need for fair access to prosthetics for physical activity, The Severn Family has been working tirelessly to drive legislative change in Hawaii. Over the past few months, they have met with key state legislators, successfully securing House and Senate sponsors to introduce a resolution supporting So Every BODY Can Move. This marks the beginning of a crucial two-year legislative journey to ensure that state-regulated insurance plans in Hawaii cover prosthetics and orthotics for physical activity—a critical step in expanding mobility access for individuals with limb loss and limb difference.

Hawai’i’s Legislative Progress

Sean and his family have secured influential legislative champions in both chambers. Senator Chris Lee, the Senate Assistant Majority Whip, and Representative Gregg Takayama, Chair of the House Committee on Health, have stepped up to lead the effort to expand prosthetic and orthotic access in Hawaii. Their leadership, energy, and understanding will be instrumental in driving the current resolution and future bill forward, aiming to expand O&P access and affirm the principle that movement is a right, not a privilege.

Securing Senator Lee’s and Representative Takayama’s sponsorship is a major milestone, ensuring they have the backing and momentum in both legislative chambers.

The Power of Local Advocacy

Advocacy looks different in every state, shaped by unique legal landscapes, cultural contexts, and community needs. Yet, the mission of So Every BODY Can Move remains the same—to break down barriers to movement and ensure that the voices of those most impacted are leading the charge.

By embracing community-centered strategies, SEBCM continues to push forward, adapting to local challenges while upholding a universal truth: Movement is a right, not a privilege. Through the Severn family’s dedication and the growing support of local legislators, Hawaii is continuing the momentum we see across the country, championing changes that can transform lives and empower communities.