Senator Joe Addabbo on Advocacy, Step Therapy & the Power of One Story
Dana Kuhn’s Story of Love, Loss, and the Fight for Blood Safety
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Some elected officials show up for a photo. Senator Joe Addabbo shows up for the work.
Representing the 15th Senate District in Queens — covering communities like Forest Hills, Ozone Park, Maspeth, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, Middle Village, Glendale, Kew Gardens, and beyond — Senator Addabbo has been a steady advocate for the bleeding disorders community since the day constituent Elizabeth Sedano walked into his Albany office with her two sons and changed the way he saw the issue forever.
In this conversation, Kai and the Senator dig into:
How a single constituent meeting put bleeding disorders on his radar — and kept them there
The step therapy law he co-sponsored that became law in 2024, what it does, and why the work doesn't end when a bill passes
Why resolutions like Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month do more than recognize — they educate his colleagues and open doors to legislation and funding
The legacy of his late father, Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo Sr., and the lesson that still guides him: "Never look at a problem through our eyes — look through the constituent's eyes."
Java with Joe — the no-gatekeepers coffee meetings he hosts at small, locally owned shops on weekends
Why young advocates (even before voting age) are some of the most powerful voices in the room
His message of hope for a community navigating a fractious political moment
In October 2025, the Coalition for Hemophilia B presented Senator Addabbo with our Legislative Leadership Award. Two months later, he honored the Coalition with an official New York State proclamation recognizing our 35th anniversary, presented personally to CEO Kim Phelan. This episode is a window into what a real, mutual, sustained partnership between a public servant and a community looks like.
About Our Guest:
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has represented the 15th Senate District in Queens since 2008, serving communities including Forest Hills, Ozone Park, Maspeth, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, Middle Village, Glendale, and Kew Gardens. He continues a legacy of public service — his late father, Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo Sr., represented Queens in the U.S. House for 13 terms. Senator Addabbo hosts his own podcast, "Where Do We Go From Here?," available on his YouTube channel (search: Senator Joe Addabbo).
Resources & Links:
Connect with your community: hemob.org
New York State Bleeding Disorders Coalition: https://www.nysbd.org/
Senator Addabbo's YouTube channel and podcast “Where Do We Go From Here?”: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCykchvuoUGGA3tQbmgzNtEA
Java with Joe, announced regularly on Senator Addabbo's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/senatorjoeaddabbo/