BREAST DENSITY LEGISLATION-THE REAL STORY

20130604-195348.jpgIt was Monday morning and I had just wrapped up a great mountain bike ride with my Little Friend Lynn. It was 10:50. I was sweating, muddy and sporting a sweet helmet head look. My phone chirped, signaling a new text massage. It was from Gina at my work making sure I knew AB 147, the breast density bill I’ve dedicated the past 4 months of my life to, was going to be signed into law today by the Governor at 11:30. WHAT????????? was my reply. Governor Sandoval’s office had called and emailed me… but on my work contacts. So the only warning I got was 40 minutes before the bill was to be signed. I’ve posted before about how my life is like a duck; calm on the surface, but paddling like hell beneath. That was me on this day. I literally ran to my bathroom. Showered in less than 2 minutes. Threw a dress on. Combed my dripping wet hair and ran back to the car. I called the kids’ school and said, “I’ll be there in 7 minutes. Make sure the kids are outside.” At 11:05 we were heading down to Carson City. We found a decent parking spot at 11:25. As we briskly walked into the state capital, I was pulling on my belt and shaking the remainder of the water from my hair. 11:38, we were escorted into the Governor’s office… as if that was my plan all morning long! Governor Brian Sandoval was amazing. He engaged my kids in conversation. He showed them is coin collection. He answered their many questions about the state and his family. He even asked them which desk he should use to sign the bill into law. Normally in Nevada, the Governor uses a small historic desk. But my kids wanted his grandiose, every day desk and he obliged. He then had just the kids and me come behind him so we could get official pictures taken with just the four of us.

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He then invited assemblymen James Ohrenschall and Randy Kirner (sponsors of the bill) and lobbyist Audrey Damonte to join us for the official signing.

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And this was a live signing. Sometimes it’s just ceremonial and the actual bill was signed ahead of time. But he saved this piece of legislation for us to witness him signing it live. He used several pens and then gave each of us one of them. He also handed me a copy of the bill, personally signed to me by the Governor. And he gave the kids his Governor coin.

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All in all we were in his office about 25 minutes. 25 great, historic minutes. I cried out of pride and sadness. I’m proud to have helped pass a law that will save women’s lives. I’m sad this bill came too late for my mom. But days like this  make the sadness easier to tolerate. And I know my mom was watching. When I got home that night, I put on some shorts and was making dinner. For no reason, I put my hand into my back pocket. My fingers curled around a thin piece of paper. Surprised, I pull it out and broke into laughter when I saw what it was. Two 5 dollar bills. One for Eva. One for Domi. A present from my mom in heaven saying, “Good job guys! Well done today.”

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About Wendy D

I was born in San Francisco and ended up marrying a rancher in Reno, Nevada. I have a big city job anchoring the 5 o’clock news but come home to the country where my husband’s family has ranched for 5 generations.

Comments

  1. Renee Barone says:

    Love, Love, Love this story! Makes my heart happy from the inside out! Thank you for sharing :)

  2. Cathy says:

    GREAT job Wendy…. and as for the joy you experienced in finding the money from your mom in your pocket…many more like it to come, I’m sure. The fond rememberances will be in abundance as well as reminders of what a wonderful daughter you were to your mom. The fragrance of her favorite perfume coming out of nowhere to hearing something she always used to say coming out of your mouth spontaneously. The smiles and laughter in rememberance of her…I am willing to bet she wouldn’t have it any other way.

  3. Jer says:

    Wendy,
    What a fabulous story! Once again, I am very proud of you and your tireless work on the behalf of womankind. It amazes me today, the medical world seems to be perdurable…unless a pursuiant citizen forces change…for the obvious. Your day with Brother Sandoval started out crazy…with the normal, vexing levity of one’s morning…and climaxed during the noon hour with your kids, and a new Bill. You know damn well (sans no mistake) “Diane Intervention” placed two fives in your pencil-clenching ass pocket! As usual, the last pic of mom totally knocked me square ME keester. Love, Jer

    • Wendy D says:

      haha! Dee finally has you reading my blog! Love it! Thanks for the words, bro, even the ones I don’t know (perdurable? really? who uses that word!!) Love you!

  4. Vicki says:

    Oh Wendy that is so great – it made me cry. And so great that your kids got to participate in the signing . I saw you at the Capitol on Tuesday ( I work there) and I thought you looked very put together! And finding the money in your pocket– icing on the cake. Great job!

    • Wendy D says:

      You should have said “HI” Vicki! Next time, when I’m back down in Carson to get insurance companies to cover additional screenings for dense breast tissue!

  5. Vicki says:

    Sorry I meant Monday -we at my office at the Capitol were so happy on Monday that Legislature was ending and we got some of our paycuts back! Anyway your efforts on the breast density bill have been amazing and I love the pic of your mom as if she is toasting you. Also loved the story of your kids and the testicle stir fry!! So funny! Hope they have a great summer!

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  8. Very good article. I will be going through a few of these issues as well.
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