Proposed lottery ticket to fight breast cancer

St. Petersburg, FL -- Playing the lottery could help raise money for breast cancer research and treatment if Florida lawmakers pass a newly proposed bill.  A scratch off game called Ticket for the Cure is part of HB 1017 and will be presented when lawmakers convene mid-March.

Rep. Geraldine F. Thompson gave 10 News the following statement:

"I am working on this bill because shortly after my election to the Florida House of Representatives, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments in 2007-08.  One of my most lasting memories of this experience was sitting next to a young woman who was also receiving chemotherapy.  She told me she was very ill  and  had to sell her home in order to finance her treatment.  She was trying desperately to prolong her life.  Her situation was heartbreaking.  I feel very fortunate to be a survivor of this life threatening disease.  In addition to feeling blessed, I feel a responsibility to address the plight of many low income, uninsured individuals who do not have the financial means to get the health care they need.

"One of the first bills I sponsored (HB 289) after being sworn in as a Legislator in 2007 would have expanded the number of locations in Florida where low income, uninsured women could receive breast cancer screening and treatment.  Currently, women primarily depend on the 16 Mary Brogan Centers if they have no insurance, as is the case with almost one in five Floridians.  Individuals who don't live near a Mary Brogan Center must travel long distances and are placed on long waiting lists that increase their mortality rates. That bill would have allowed women to seek screening and treatment at any facility licensed by the Florida Department of Health.  The bill failed because Florida was sliding into a recession and there was no money to support the expansion.  This bill (HB 1017) would create a dedicated funding source for State University medical facilities to underwrite breast cancer screening, education and services for low income, uninsured patients and families.  I am working to achieve bipartisan support for this legislation."

Rep. Thompson represents House District 39 in the Orlando area. Click here for a link to Rep. Thompson's contact info.

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