The exterior dome of the Wisconsin state Capitol is seen in Madison Feb. 15, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Even after her death, a Fox Valley woman continues to be a champion for others.
A proposal bearing her name could not only save lives, but also out-of-pocket expenses for women — and it’s now a step closer to becoming Wisconsin law.
After being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2016, Neenah resident Gail Zeamer learned her large tumor went undetected after a mammogram because she had dense breast tissue. Not only can dense breast tissue hide tumors, but it’s also a risk factor for breast cancer.
Armed with that information, Zeamer pushed for doctors to be required to notify women if they have dense breast tissue, as well as the risks associated with it. The Breast Density Notification Act was signed into law by then-Governor Scott Walker in 2018.
“After never missing a mammogram, my mom’s initial Stage 3 cancer diagnosis was caught only after an additional ultrasound, which she paid for out-of-pocket. While my family is blessed to be able to afford those out-of-pocket costs, my mom knew that this was not a reality for everyone. And she found this entirely unacceptable,” said Sophie Zeamer, Gail’s eldest daughter.
Even after the Breast Density Notification Act became law, Zeamer wanted to do more — continuing to work with lawmakers on what is known as Gail’s Law.
This bipartisan bill would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for annual supplemental screenings for women with dense breast tissue and other high-risk factors, and diagnostic breast imaging for women who require follow-up examinations, ensuring greater access to life-saving care.
State Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara of Appleton is co-author of the bill.
“Women go in to get a mammogram. If you have dense breast tissue, which is 40% of Wisconsin women, your mammogram is not doing the job it should be doing. You need a secondary screening to rule out cancer,” she said.
Gail’s Law, which passed 32-1 in the state Senate this week, will now go in front of the state Assembly.
“The investment that we make today in accessible imaging will return dividends tomorrow — not only in lives saved, but in health care dollars spared,” added Sophie.
She and her mother’s sister, Eileen Lackovic, testified about the bill in front of the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care.
Lackovic said, “Gail’s Law is not just a name. It’s a legacy. It represents Gail’s determination to turn her pain into purpose, to make sure others have a fighting chance. My sister’s voice was strong while she lived, and her impact continues through this law.”
This is the third time Gail’s Law has been introduced. With it passing the Senate, there’s hope the Assembly will do the same.
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