Linda Jones Burns [09/15/2007]

To the editor:As a seven-year survivor of a very aggressive, stage III breast cancer, I would like to share some exciting, proactive information for those who are affected by cancer and other genetically-linked life-altering or threatening diseases. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2007 passed the House of Representatives in April by a 420-3 vote and will likely be passed by the Senate later this year.Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine led these efforts to protect people from genetic discrimination. GINA prohibits health insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums to someone who is healthy but may have a genetic mutation that makes them more susceptible to a disease. It also prohibits an employer from using that information in hiring, firing or promotion decisions.We will now have the chance to identify potential health-related risk factors and take proactive, preventative measures to stay healthy, without the worry of discrimination.Please remember that every mountain you hike, mile you walk, call you make and letter you write really does make a difference.Staying strong,