Questions and Answers with Nancy Thomason
Questions and Answers with Nancy Thomason

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Published: February 1, 2008
Modified: January 31, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Q: What led you to found the Brain Tumor Foundation, when did it begin operating and how do you fund it?

A: I started the foundation after my youngest son, Cade, died of a brain tumor in 2000. He was almost 2 years old. I was off work for six months while Cade was undergoing treatment. During that time we almost lost everything we had due to the financial impact it had on our family. I wanted to start an organization that would address the day-to-day needs of brain tumor families, financial assistance, education, emotional and spiritual support. The founding date of the foundation is the date my son died, which is Feb. 17, 2000. However, we became an official nonprofit organization in November 2002. Today, we are funded through private individual donations, grants and special events. We are applying to become a United Way Agency this year.

Q: What kind of reception have you received from legislators as a whole about Steffanie's Law, which would mandate health insurance coverage for people in clinical trials, and how does that compare with 2001?

A: The response we have received has been tremendous. Everyone I have met with is going to support the legislation, and some have personal experience with it. I think this is a very timely subject for everyone because of the health care debate that is now occurring. People are tired of paying for health insurance and then not having it provide the best care for you when you need it most. In 2001, I was so new to the advocacy scene and Sen. Bernest Cain added the language to an American Cancer Society-sponsored bill regarding colorectal screening. The clinical trials portion was sacrificed for the colorectal screening. This time I have been adamant that I wanted it to stand on its own. I won't have it used as a pawn again for another piece of legislation. There is really no reason to oppose the legislation, and I can prove it.

Q: What kind of opposition have you received to Steffanie's Law?

A: The opposition to this legislation is just due to people not understanding what the legislation is about and from being uneducated regarding the clinical trials process. The reason I have been given is that insurance mandates drive up the cost of health care for everyone and in turn that causes the number of uninsured to increase. However, that is a lie that is told by insurance companies to scare people. There is plenty of research that shows it does not increase cost to insurance companies. In fact 23 other states have already passed this legislation and they have not had increases in their health insurance premiums nor has the number of uninsured increased due to it. In Massachusetts, Blue Cross and Blue Shield actually supported the legislation. My attempts to work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield here in Oklahoma have been ignored.

Q: Have you heard from lobbyists or insurance industry reps who oppose the law, and if so, what have they said to you?

A: No I have not. I tried to work with everyone on this issue so we can provide assurances and work together to address the issue. But I have been ignored for the most part. Some professional organizations that originally ignored my attempts are now calling and wanting to support the legislation because they have now taken a look at it and understand what we are trying to accomplish.

Q: How do you size up the chances for Steffanie's Law to pass in this legislative session, and what will you do with the legislation if it fails?

A: I believe it will pass. We have great momentum and I have great faith. I truly believe it will pass this session. If it doesn't we won't give up, we will just try again next year and we will keep trying until we make it happen. It is in the best interest of Oklahomans, so hopefully the people we have voted into office will do what is best for Oklahoma and its citizens and will live up to their obligations. I am tired of big business, insurance companies and high paid lobbyists controlling what kind of health care we receive, and I know that most people feel just like I do.

Business Writer Jim Stafford