Dear Ulman Supporter,
Imagine - you're 20 and single. You hear those dreaded words - "you have cancer." After you just begin to digest this news, you're asked, "Do you want to preserve your fertility?" You probably haven't thought about having kids, and you may not even understand what fertility preservation is. But you must decide today, and - oh, by the way - it costs about $10,000, and it's not covered by insurance.
At the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, we have seen scenarios like this one play out time after time over our twenty years of working with cancer patients. Harsh chemotherapy and radiation treatments can render young adults sterile, before they've even had the chance to start a family. We have advised patients, been a shoulder to cry on, and provided modest financial support, but we have always wished we could do more.
Now we have an opportunity.
State Senator James Mathias and State Delegate Cory McCray have sponsored legislation which, when passed, will require health insurance to cover fertility preservation for cancer patients residing in Maryland.
Yesterday, our staff, patients we've supported, oncologists and fertility specialists, and advocacy partners gathered in Annapolis - our state capital - to testify in front of a State Senate committee in support of this effort.
You can help, too.
If you are a Maryland resident, you can write your State Delegate and State Senator to encourage them to vote YES on this legislation. This site enables you to easily locate and email your representatives.
If you live outside of Maryland, please visit our facebook page, share our efforts, and let your friends in Maryland know what they can do to help.
Thank you for taking a stand to improve the lives of young adults, and their loved ones - present and future! - impacted by cancer.
Brock Yetso
President & CEO, Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
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