PA Breast Cancer Coalition - Blog » Legislative

Update on Breast Density Screening Legislation

Amy — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:58:31 +0000

Senator Bob Mensch from Montgomery County introduced legislation regarding breast density screening and insurance coverage for MRI screening. No committee meeting has yet been scheduled to consider the bill. Can you help by contacting your state senator and asking him or her to help bring the bill up for a hearing before the end of the legislative session? Click here to find your state senator’s contact information.

The first of the two bills would require certified FDA facilities to provide patients with information related to their breast density and post a notice advising women with dense breast tissue that they may benefit from supplemental screening such as a breast MRI. The second bill would amend existing law to extend mandated insurance coverage to ultrasound and MRI screening if a mammogram shows dense breast tissue.

“Mammogram films of breasts with higher density are harder to read and interpret than those of less dense breasts,” said Senator Mensch. “Breast density is one of the strongest predictors of the failure of mammography screening to detect cancer, with a mammogram missing at least 40% of tumors in women with the densest breasts.”

Senator Mensch’s staff member Terry Gillen said, “Kudos to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition for raising this important issue. As a breast cancer survivor, I know that we need to provide women with more information and more options regarding dense breast tissue diagnosis.”

Supreme Court Upholds Healthcare Law

Amy — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:56:12 +0000

The recent Supreme Court decision upheld major provisions of the Affordable Care Act. What does this mean for women with breast cancer? Now, any new health plan must provide mammograms without any cost to the patient. Starting in 2014, the following provisions go into effect:

- No pre-existing conditions

Insurers will no longer be able to exclude breast cancer survivors from coverage or charge them a higher premium by defining breast cancer as a pre-existing condition.

- No caps

Insurance companies cannot impose lifetime caps now or starting in 2014 annual dollar caps.

- No cancellation

Insurers can no longer cancel a breast cancer survivor’s insurance policy when she or he gets sick and needs it most.

Legislative Update: Senator Mensch Sponsors Bills on Breast Density Screening

PA Breast Cancer Coalition — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:16:04 +0000

The PBCC has been working with PA State Senator Bob Mensch (Montgomery County) in his efforts to address the issue of breast density in breast cancer screening through two bills to be introduced this session. The first would require mammography facilities to provide their patients with pertinent information regarding breast density in the form of a notice. The second bill would require insurers to cover ultrasound screening and magnetic resonance imaging if a mammogram reveals dense breast tissue. Co-sponsors are needed to support this legislation, so contact your State Senator in Harrisburg today.

PBCC President & Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy said, “This legislation is an important step in making certain that women with dense breast tissue are not overlooked when it comes to breast cancer screening. The PBCC thanks Senator Mensch for introducing this legislation and we pledge our support to making sure these bills become law here in Pennsylvania.”

To view Senator Mensch’s co-sponsorship memo, click here. The deadline has been extended until the end of October, so there is still time for Senators to sign-on as a co-sponsor. Encourage your State Senator to call Senator Mensch’s office to co-sponsor this legislation.

First Lady Susan Corbett and the PBCC Turn Capitol Fountain Pink

PA Breast Cancer Coalition — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:15:11 +0000

October is breast cancer awareness month, which is evident when you spot the Capitol Fountain in Harrisburg in its pink glory! First Lady Susan Corbett, who produced a video for the PBCC, was joined by Sheri Phillips, the Secretary of the Department of General Services, PBCC President and Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy, and PBCC Board Member and breast cancer survivor Debbie Freer for a kick-off event unveiling the pink fountain at the rear of the State Capitol Building.

Turning the Capitol fountain pink for breast cancer awareness month has become an annual event. The month-long pink fountain is sure to serve as a vibrant reminder of the importance and significance of breast cancer awareness to all who see it.

President’s Corner – PA Legislators Go To Bat for the PBCC

PA Breast Cancer Coalition — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:50:18 +0000

The PA House stepped up to the plate to Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer by passing House Resolution 282 – authored by Representative Garth Everett – in support of the Home Run Derby held in July in communities across Pennsylvania. In a unanimous vote, the House saluted the efforts of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers and the PBCC in raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Representative Garth Everett not only stepped up to the plate for the PBCC in introducing the resolution – he literally went to bat in Williamsport and took a few swings in the Home Run Derby. He was not the only PA legislator to step up to the batter’s box, however. Among those to take a turn at the plate were the Home Run Heroes – a trio of lawmakers who participated in the Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster events as part of their ongoing friendly hometown rivalry. Senator Mike Brubaker, Representative Scott Boyd and Representative Eugene DePasquale joined forces to become the Home Run Heroes and the official Travel Sponsor for the Home Run Derby. Special thanks to Rep. Tina Davis, Rep. Karen Boback, Rep. Sue Helm, and Rep. Brandon Neuman for sending teams to compete at the Derby. Also, many thanks to Congressman Tim Murphy for stepping up and taking a swing in the Washington County event!

Continued Support in State College

Kevin — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:45:16 +0000

It was a bittersweet day in State College on Saturday, July 30th. Our eleventh-and final-home run derby event of 2011 took place at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on the picturesque morning. We had a few teams that were ready for some home runs, but no one lucked out! Check out how everyone stacked up.

Stahl Sheaffer Engineering – 1,445 points
Bill Nye’s Guys – 1,300 points
Blesh’s Bombers – 1,210 points
Energy CAP/Second Mile – 1,185 points
Automated Records “Chumley’s Clean Sweep” – 1,075 points
Videon Central “Struble’s Cleanup Crew” – 970 points
Barton Associates – 930 points
The Biohazards – 745 points

We had one Single Batter at the Medlar Field, Tyler Smith had 375 points! Special thanks to all of our teams, volunteers and the staff from the Spikes. Our appearance in State College was a great way to round out the fourth year of the Take A Swing Against Breast Cancer events. Stay tuned for the final wrap-up of stats, big winners and thanks! In the mean time, check out photos from our day in Centre County!

Home Runs Lead the Pack in Altoona

Kevin — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:04:34 +0000

The 4th Annual Take A Swing Against Breast Cancer home run derby is coming to a quick close. Where did July go?! The PBCC crew was excited for the derby to be at the Altoona Curve. And the day did not disappoint! Check out our high scores and the home runs that just kept on coming!

Team Hershey – 2,070 points
Team Belmar – 1,580 points
C&G Savings Bank Team 2 – 1,395 points
Community State Bank of Orbisonia Team 1 – 1,325 points
Altoona First Savings Bank Team 1 – 1,275 points
Enterprise Car Rental – 1,275 points
Altoona First Savings Bank Team 2 – 1,240 points
C&G Savings Bank Team 1 – 1,065 points
Laurel Eye Clinic – 965 points
Community State Bank of Orbisonia Team 2 – 780 points
Curve Front Office – 710 points
Forever Broadcasting – 440 points

Single Batters at bat at Blair County Ballpark:

Bill Klenoshek – 355 points
Brice Verbit – 310 points

We handed out quite a few pink and white home run baseballs at Blair County Ballpark. We love seeing home runs, so we certainly enjoyed the day! Congratulations to all of the batters!

Matt Hershey from Team Hershey – 5
Scott Knepper from Community State Bank of Orbisonia Team 1 – 3
Justin Blackburn from Altoona First Savings Bank Team 1 – 2
Joe Glass from Team Belmar – 1
Mason Hershey from Team Hershey – 1
Bill Klenoshek, Single Batter – 1
Gary Wurm from C&G Savings Bank Team 2 – 1

Special thank you to the Altoona Curve, the staff, interns, field crew, and everyone who made the Home Run Derby a great day at Blair County Ballpark! WJAC, WTAJ and the Altoona Mirror all stopped by to check out the event. Thank you for helping to raise awareness in the Altoona area! Check out some of the great photos from the 10th stop of the 2011 Home Run Derby!

Williamsport Teams Hold Steady

Kevin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:38:18 +0000

On Tuesday, July 26th, the Home Run Derby made a stop at the Historic Bowman Field. The Williamsport Crosscutters welcomed the home derby batters and volunteers as we head into the home stretch for 2011.

PA State Police Milton – 1,615 points
City of Williamsport – 1,570 points
Chesapeake Energy – 1,420 points
ParenteBeard – 1,225 points
Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships – 1,190 points
Frito Lay Williamsport Team 1 – 990 points
Bald is Beautiful Williamsport – 975 points
Frito Lay Williamsport Team 2 – 970 points
Woodlands Bank Team 2 – 920 points
Woodlands Bank Team 1 – 875 points

Our only Home Run Hitter in Williamsport was Josh Kendrik from the PA State Police. He hit two out of the park!Special thanks to Rep. Garth Everett, Mike Mussina, and all of our batters who swung for the fences. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the derby. We raised over $9,500 through the efforts in Williamsport! Check out the photos from our day at the ballpark.

Record temps bring high points in Lancaster

Kevin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:57:02 +0000

The record high temperatures didn’t stop 21 teams, 3 single batters and dozens of volunteers from coming out and participating in the Home Run Derby on July 23rd. The event at Clipper Magazine Stadium raised an astonishing $11,500 for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition! None of this would have been possible without these teams and home run hitters!

Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 1 – 1,615 points
Rep. Scott Boyd’s Bombers – 1,600 points
Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 2 – 1,525 points
Ameriprise Team 2 – 1,410 points
Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 1- 1,340 points
Heany Boulder, LLC – 1,300 points
Universal Technical Institute Team 1 ‘Power Team’ – 1,280 points
Universal Technical Institute Team 2 – 1,275 points
Guns of Roses Team 1 – 1,225 points
Ameriprise Team 1 – 1,200 points
Blakinger, Blyer & Thomas, P.C. Team 2 – 1,195 points
Foot Locker – 1,165 points
Average Joe’s – 1,150 points
Guns of Roses Team 2 – 1,095 points
Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 2- 1,045 points
Larson Design Group Team 2 – 1,015 points
Bald is Beautiful Lancaster – 1,000 points
Blakinger, Blyer & Thomas, P.C. Team 1 – 925 points
Dart Container – 865 points
Penn State Hershey Cancer institute Team 2 – 805 points
Penn State Hershey Cancer institute Team 1 – 560 points
Larson Design Group Team 1 – 495 points

Single Batters:

Scott Bell – 370 points
Greg Gunter – 295 points
Andrew Hackart – 175 points

Home Run Hitters:

Jordan Stoltzfus from Sen. Mike Brubaker Team 2 – 2
Colbe Herr from Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 1 – 1

The Lancaster Sunday News hung out for the day and grabbed some shots of Andrew Hackart and the Guns of Roses. Check out the story online.

It was great to see fans cheering on the batters and volunteers working together in the outfield. The teams put up some high scores and it was a close battle all the way to the end! Rep. Eugene DePasquale’s Team 1 ultimately scored the 4 hot pink bats, but everyone is a winner for coming out and supporting the fight against breast cancer! Take a look at the photos from our day in Lancaster!

York Welcomes High Scores and the Sun

Kevin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:20:30 +0000

The Heatwave: Summer 2011 continued on Friday, July 22nd at Sovereign Bank Stadium in York. The sun and heat didn’t keep the batters from striving for the outfield wall. If you’ve ever been to Sovereign Bank Stadium, you’re familiar with their Arch Nemisis in left field. Some of the home run hitters knocked it over the 37.7 foot wall! Check out the team scores and home run hitters!

PeoplesBank Team 3 – 2,360 points
Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 1 – 1,600 points
Rep. Scott Boyd’s Bombers – 1,585 points
ParenteBeard – 1,490 points
FOX43 – 1,280 points
PeoplesBank Team 2 – 1,210 points
Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 2 – 1,150 points
PeoplesBank Team 1 – 1,140 points
York Revolution Staff – 1,075 points
Hall of Shamers – 1,035 points
Bald is Beautiful York – 1,010 points
DENTSPLY Sluggers Team 1 – 895 points
DENTSPLY Sluggers Team 2 – 890 points
Johnson Controls – 785 points
Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute – 555 points

Home Run Hitters in York:

Austin Botts from PeoplesBank Team 3 – 3
Mason Heyne from PeoplesBank Team 3 – 2
Tommy Fisher from Rep. Scott Boyd’s Bombers – 1
Colbe Herr from Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 1 – 1
Colin Porter from Rep. Eugene DePasquale Team 1 – 1

Special thanks to FOX43 for their participation and covering the derby! Our volunteers stuck with the day through the hottest point and chugged the water! Thanks to everyone who made the event on Friday possible! Be sure to check out the photos from our day.