My wife Kristen first found a lump in her breast after our youngest daughter was born. She was in her 30’s and we didn’t think it could be cancer, but we wanted to be safe. When we went to get a mammogram we were told it wouldn’t be covered by our insurance because Kristen was too young. We had to decide to pay for the mammogram out of pocket or feed our 3 kids. We chose our children. Kristen lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 38.

I never want another family to have to make that terrible choice. I’m calling on the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower the screening age so health insurance companies are legally required to cover mammograms for women 30 and older.

Had mammograms been covered by our insurance, I believe there is a chance my wife would still be here today. The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force has been updating their guidelines on breast cancer screenings, and what they decide will determine what insurance companies must legally cover. They are expected to set the age to 50 and up for regular mammograms. The decision will mean health insurance companies will only have to pay for mammograms once a woman turns 50. Cancer can strike anytime, and having access to screening when you need it can make the difference between life and death.

Please sign my petition lowering the recommended breast screening age to 30 so women like my wife can get the early detection needed to potentially save their life.

I’m not a scientist or a doctor. I’m just a father and was a very lucky husband. When U. S. Preventive Services Task Force makes their final choice, I want them to think of people like Kristen. I understand not every woman under 50 will need a mammogram. But if they are at greater risk or feel they need to get screened, they need the opportunity to do so without worrying about money. There is nothing worse than believing an extra $200 in the bank may have saved the woman you love.

I hope you will join me in getting the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force to provide recommendations that allow access to mammograms at the age of 30. It may save the life of someone you love.