I read David Abel’s article “Bombings left some feeling invisible’’ (Page A1, March 27) with tears in my eyes. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a horror not visible to all, but it’s as real as any physical injury. The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund has a policy of including all Massachusetts residents, like me, who lost someone on Sept. 11, 2001, no matter where the relative lived. Had there not been a broad tent, many would have lacked the emotional support to deal with the trauma. While geography may seem like a different determinant than physical vs. emotional disabilities, the larger issue is one of inclusion vs. exclusion.

I know firsthand that in coming together, there is more than a small element of healing. The Boston Marathon survivors with PTSD shouldn’t be denied that experience.

I couldn’t help feeling that others who might read Abel’s article might see PTSD as less authentic than pain experienced by survivors with physical disabilities. While different, it still looms large. Revisiting attitudes to allow more inclusiveness can’t help but rub off on public officials who make decisions about inclusion.

As a society we need to update our notions and brush up on the facts — both those we can see with our eyes and those we surely need to feel in our hearts.

Claudia Jacobs

Newton