October 21, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 166 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING CHRISTINE CARPENTER AS IOWA'S CANCER CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 2019

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor breast cancer 
survivors across Iowa. I want to recognize Christine Carpenter as a 
champion and advocate for Iowa women with breast cancer.
  Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer 26 years ago--and won. She 
took her experience with breast cancer and turned into a mission. She 
is now a leading voice with the Iowa Breast Cancer Advocacy Network, a 
valuable member of the Iowa Beyond Pink Team, and a frequent face here 
on Capitol Hill.
  I've had the chance to meet with Christine as she fights for research 
funding and advocates for legal changes that will better serve Iowans, 
and all women, with breast cancer. If you or a loved one in Iowa have 
experienced breast cancer, you've likely either met Christine or 
benefited from the work she's done. She helped ensure that those on 
Medicaid receive treatment for breast and cervical cancers--even if 
they didn't qualify under the standard programs. Through her persistent 
advocacy, Christine was able to protect Iowan women who are most in 
need.
  Christine is the right woman to have on your side and fierce advocate 
for breast cancer survivors. That is why it is no surprise that 
Christine was awarded the Iowa Cancer Champion of the Year 2019. 
Christine's ``Iowa-Nice'' approach has ensured that all our federally 
elected officials from Iowa are supporting important breast cancer 
reform legislation.
  In honor of Christine and Iowans with breast cancer, I am calling on 
my House colleagues to sign onto the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to 
Care Act. This legislation will waive the 24-month waiting period for 
Medicare eligibility and the 5-month waiting period of Social Security 
Disability Insurance for those with metastatic breast cancer. 
Metastatic breast cancer is when that cancer has spread beyond the 
breast and into other organs. Devastatingly, it cannot be cured. It is 
estimated that nearly 160,000 women in the United States have this 
terminal form of breast cancer. As we work toward a cure, it is 
important we provide these women and their families with the financial 
peace of mind they need in this difficult time.

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