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Dear Editor: On behalf of the American Cancer Society's Government Relations and Public Policy Committee and all our Commonwealth volunteers, our condolences are extended to the people of Virginia who lost a great leader in Senator Emily Couric. Respected by all who knew her, Sen. Couric always held healthcare issues close to her heart, and for this, we all owe her a great amount of debt and thanks. Sen. Couric's leadership on groundbreaking legislation establishing Virginia as the first state in the country to mandate insurance coverage for colon cancer screening was a significant accomplishment, and through this effort she will continue to leave a legacy in the Commonwealth and around the country. Her concern for patients who had to travel long distances for treatments was also well known, as were her efforts to raise funds to help provide these people with services so desperately needed. Remarkably, in what proved to be her final weeks, the senator was discussing with our leadership her support for another piece of groundbreaking legislation, which would make Virginia the first state to address insurance coverage of treatment for Lymphedema. Incredibly, during weekly visits to her oncologist's clinic, Sen. Couric continued working on her laptop and reviewing papers - not once letting her chemotherapy treatment regimen and medications set her back. Courageously, Sen. Couric tried new cancer therapies and participated in trials in her battle against cancer - enough to prolong her life months longer than most pancreatic cancer patients. These methods are now being shared in hopes of assisting others in their battles. Sen. Couric's courage and leadership - both in the Virginia State Senate and in life - will continue to serve as inspiration for others. Sincerely, Carl E. Mitchell
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