Welcoming my Intern to Harrisburg and Fighting ALS

Rep. Melissa Cerrato May 8, 2026

Dear Friends,

What an amazing whirlwind it has been lately, both in Harrisburg and back home in our community and I’m excited to continue sharing the highlights with you.

I had an amazing day in Harrisburg with my intern Sophie as she shadowed me for a Session Day! Watching her take in the history, the energy, the view from the floor and being introduced by Speaker McClinton reminded me exactly why I love this work.

Moments like these are a powerful reminder that I’m not just doing a job, I’m helping shape the next generation of leaders. It’s an honor, a privilege, and honestly just a lot of fun to mentor someone with so much curiosity and drive. Here’s to Sophie, and to all the future changemakers who keep us inspired!

I also had the joy of welcoming community members to the Capitol. Representative Steve Malagari and I presented citations to Dr. Francis Jeyaraj and Mr. Sayed Afzal, two individuals whose dedication and service strengthen our region in real and lasting ways. Every visit from home brings a renewed sense of pride in the heart and energy of our district.

Back in the community, I joined Upper Dublin Lutheran Church for their Community Summit and leaders’ dinner and it truly left me feeling deeply inspired.

There is something exceptionally powerful about seeing neighbors, faith partners, nonprofits, and community leaders all with seats at the table listening, learning, and imagining what’s possible when we work together.

Community isn’t just a concept. It’s something we build through connection, compassion, and the simple act of showing up for one another. I was so grateful to be part of a night that reminded us all what collective care can look like.

Another powerful moment was participating in the ALS United Help and Hope Symposium and press conference with Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and my colleagues Rep. Kyle Mullins and Rep. Bryan Cutler. Together, we highlighted the state’s first ever dedicated investment, approved in last year’s budget, to support research and resources for fatal neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS.

For me, this work is deeply personal. My family has felt the full weight of ALS. I lost my grandmother in 2005 and my biological father in 2021. Their diagnoses forced me to confront the reality that I had a 50 percent chance of carrying a genetic predisposition to the same disease. After years of uncertainty, I finally underwent testing and learned I was negative. That relief is something I wish every family could experience, but too many cannot. They deserve every possible investment in research, care, and hope.

Today, we celebrate this step forward. Tomorrow, we continue the fight.

Organizations such as ALS United Mid Atlantic are leading the effort to support families and accelerate research. I encourage anyone interested to learn more and get involved: https://alsmidatlantic.org/

This is more than a budget line. It is a lifeline and a promise that we will keep fighting for those who need us most.

Finally, Representative Sanchez and I were proud to welcome Judge Lavenburg to the Capitol. It was a real thrill to have Speaker McClinton introduce him on the House floor, and I loved getting to show him around. We even stopped by the Governor’s Reception Room, which is always a favorite spot to share. I truly appreciate everything he does for the residents of Ambler and Upper Dublin, and it felt great to give him a glimpse into this incredible part of my work as a legislator.

Stay tuned because there are so many more amazing moments to share with you each week.

Upcoming Events

?? You’re Invited to Our Annual Spring Senior Resource Fair! ??

Join Rep. Nancy Guenst, Rep. Ben Sanchez, and me for a fun, friendly, and informative afternoon at the Operating Engineers Hall on Friday, May 15th from 11 AM to 1 PM.

This yearly event brings together an incredible range of local, county, state, and federal resources designed to support seniors in our community. Whether you’re looking for helpful programs, health and wellness information, or simply want to connect with neighbors and local organizations, there’s something here for everyone.

Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of opportunities to learn, and a welcoming space to explore services that can make a real difference in your day-to-day life. We’d truly love to see you there.

?? For more information, call 215-517-6800.

Come discover, connect, and enjoy! This is an event you won’t want to miss!

SEPTA Senior Key Card Event

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming SEPTA Senior Key Card event, created to make it easier for residents who may not be able to visit our office during the workweek to apply for or renew their Senior Key Card.

Through our continued partnership with SEPTA, we are proud to provide this convenient opportunity for seniors in our community. The SEPTA Senior Key Card is available to residents aged 65 and older and offers free rides on all SEPTA transit routes, including buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail. Seniors traveling to Delaware or New Jersey can also enjoy a 50 percent discount on fares when using their Senior Key Card.

Important Notes:

SEPTA currently takes about four weeks to process and mail new cards.
If you prefer not to wait, you may renew your pass directly at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, by scheduling an appointment at (215) 580-7145.
Please note that duplicate cards cannot be issued at this event. To replace a lost or stolen card, you must mail a $5 check or money order payable to SEPTA to: SEPTA, P.O. Box 824833, Philadelphia, PA 19182.

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to apply for or renew your Senior Key Card in a convenient and supportive setting. Please spread the word to friends and neighbors who may benefit from this program.

Summer Open House

Come and explore our “home away from home” at our Summer Open House! Get to know me and my wonderful team in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We’ll be serving light refreshments and look forward to an afternoon filled with great conversations and connections. We can’t wait to see you there!