Introducing Cheryl’s Law: A Call for Transparency, Accountability, and Patient Protection

Over the past several months, I have spent countless hours reviewing medical records, participating in Medicare appeals, communicating with regulators, speaking with legislators, and working to understand exactly what happened during my mother Cheryl Cornelius’s final months.

While nothing can bring my mother back, I believe her story can help create meaningful change for future patients and families.

Today, I would like to introduce a concept we are calling Cheryl’s Law.

Cheryl’s Law is a patient protection initiative inspired by Cheryl’s experience and the challenges our family encountered while navigating the healthcare system. Its purpose is simple: strengthen transparency, accountability, patient safety, and family rights when advocating for a loved one.

Key principles of Cheryl’s Law include:

• Full transparency and timely access to medical records

• Stronger oversight and regulation of healthcare facilities

• Accountability when negligence or poor medical decisions result in harm

• Higher standards for patient care, staffing, and communication

• Protection for whistleblowers and family advocates

• Greater support and legal protections for families seeking answers

This effort is not about politics. It is not about revenge. It is about protecting patients and ensuring that families have a voice during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

I am grateful to Representative Anna Eskamani and Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith for taking the time to listen and engage on these important issues. Meaningful reform begins with conversations, and conversations begin when people are willing to speak up.

If Cheryl’s story has touched you, I ask for your continued support.

Please sign and share this petition. Contact your local Senator, Representative, or Member of Congress and encourage them to support stronger patient protections and healthcare accountability measures.

Real change happens when ordinary people refuse to stay silent.

Thank you for standing with Cheryl, with our family, and with every patient and family who may one day find themselves fighting for answers.

Together, we can create change and save lives.

— David “Brock” Cornelius