Dear Members and Allies of MASS,
I’m excited to join Mass Advocates Standing Strong and to begin working with each of you. I come to MASS with 10 years of experience working with the disability community both nationally and internationally, having most recently worked with AANE and the Boston Center for Independent Living. But my real driving force has always been my brother, Sean, who passed away in 2017.
My brother Sean has always had a big impact on my life. From an early age, my parents taught me how to be a strong ally to Sean and make sure he was included. We created art together, played sports together, and watched so many Disney movies that I could recite lines and quotes to infinity and beyond. Through Sean, I learned firsthand the disparities that exist for people with disabilities, such as access to education, resources, and proper healthcare to name a few. Sadly, Sean went undiagnosed with colon cancer and passed away at the age of 36. Sean has left an indelible place in my heart. He showed me how important it is that people with disabilities are heard, listened to, and treated with the same dignity and respect we all deserve.
As I start with MASS and meet with self-advocates and allies across the state, I am inspired by the stories each of you share. The dedication of self-advocates, board members, allies and staff is the real reason MASS has been
Standing Strong
these past 20 years. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team. Together we will make MASS even stronger in these exciting years to come!
Sincerely,
Brian J. Kremer, MBA
