Sun Jul 13 05:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Local Columnist Grapples with Comedy Dreams, Male Loneliness, and Healthcare Cuts
**Athens, OH -** In his latest column for the Athens County Independent, writer and social worker Davey McNelly explores the themes of male loneliness, the pressure to conform, and the importance of advocating for healthcare.
McNelly begins by describing a recurring nightmare where he achieves comedic success by brutally roasting his friends on stage, only to find himself desperately lonely amidst the acclaim. He connects this anxiety to the new Tim Robinson film, “Friendship,” which portrays a character’s cringey and obsessive pursuit of male camaraderie. McNelly questions if the pressure to appear “normal” contributes to the epidemic of male loneliness, highlighting the human need for authentic connection.
Shifting gears, McNelly recounts attending a conference in Los Angeles related to his Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). He observes both the empowering fashion tips shared by young attendees and the disheartening reality that funding cuts are forcing researchers like “Anton” to conform by wearing shoes, sacrificing authenticity for grant money.
McNelly connects Anton’s situation to broader concerns about healthcare access. He notes that current policy changes threaten to strip millions of Americans of their medical insurance, including fellow SMA patients who rely on life-saving medications.
McNelly concludes by urging readers to contact their congresspeople and advocate for continued healthcare funding. He emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the face of adversity, quoting Mary Oliver: “whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world is only sad if you’re alone.”
The column also includes a recipe suggestion for a tomato and basil sandwich, encouraging readers to enjoy the local harvest while reflecting on these important issues. McNelly, known for his diverse interests and perspectives, continues to spark thought-provoking conversations within the Athens County community. Readers are encouraged to share their own stories with the Athens County Independent.
First Piper 