Letter: Bill supports biomarker testing
This letter originally ran in the Lincoln Journal Star.
News
Real Cancer Stories Key to Health Care Reform Debate
June 25, 2009
Cancer is not partisan. It isnÈt blind to race, gender or economic background. Virtually all Americans are somehow touched by cancer, and sadly those affected are acutely familiar with the problems in the current health care system. The health care reform debate that is currently gaining momentum in Washington is personal for millions of Americans.
Personal stories about how real people have experienced difficulties in the health insurance system are critical to ensuring legislation that is being crafted meets the needs of cancer patients and their families. Narratives add substance to policy that can often be bogged down by rhetoric. Patient stories can drive the debate for action NOW, not LATER!
Molly Daniels, vice president for field advocacy for ACS CAN, was quoted this morning in a Politico article about the necessity of patient stories in the debate over health care reform.
What IÈve heard time and time again and what weÈve heard throughout the organization people want to share their stories, so it doesnÈt happen to other people, she said. (Politico - "Health Care Prep: Sad Stories" 06/25)