How your support helped make Gail’s Law a reality
By: Nikki Panico

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, I never imagined where that journey would lead me.

Today, as a two-time breast cancer survivor and Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Wisconsin, I have the privilege of meeting incredible people every day: survivors, those living with breast cancer, caregivers, volunteers, donors, healthcare partners and advocates. Every person has a story, and every story reminds me why our mission matters.

Most people know Komen because of the research we fund, the patient support we provide, and events like our Wisconsin MORE THAN PINK Walk. Those are all essential parts of our mission.

What many people don’t realize is that your fundraising also fuels something just as important: advocacy.

Advocacy isn’t always visible. It happens in meetings with legislators, through survivors who courageously share their stories, at coalition tables where organizations work together, and during countless conversations with policymakers that help remove barriers to care. It takes time, persistence and people who believe every Wisconsinite deserves access to quality breast health care.

Sometimes, that work leads to something extraordinary.

This year, Wisconsin celebrated one of the most significant breast health victories in our state’s history with the passage of Gail’s Law.

Named in honor of Wisconsin advocate Gail Zeamer, Gail’s Law removes financial barriers to medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging for people who need screening beyond a mammogram. For years, many women were told they needed an ultrasound or MRI after their mammogram, only to discover that the cost could be hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars out of pocket.

Some found a way to pay for the test.

Others waited.

Some never got the screening at all.

No one should have to make that choice.

As someone who has experienced breast cancer twice, I know how important early detection can be. I’ve also met far too many women who delayed recommended imaging because cost stood between them and the care their doctor recommended.

That’s why Gail’s Law means so much, not just to me, but to families across Wisconsin.

This summer marked another important milestone. As of July 1, 2026, Gail’s Law is now in effect for Wisconsin Medicaid recipients. Individuals who are covered by Medicaid now have access to the diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging they require, such as ultrasound or MRI when medically appropriate, helping ensure a more complete breast cancer screening process at no cost.

The law will continue to roll out. Beginning January 1, 2027, state-regulated private insurance plans must also comply with Gail’s Law, expanding access for even more Wisconsinites.

As I reflect on everything it took to pass Gail’s Law, I’m reminded that this victory belongs to so many people.

It belongs to Gail Zeamer, whose determination inspired this legislation.

It belongs to the survivors who bravely shared their stories with lawmakers.

It belongs to Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy, a member of the Early Detection Saves Lives Coalition which included healthcare professionals and additional community advocates.

It belongs to legislators from both sides of the aisle who came together with one goal: saving lives through earlier detection.

And it belongs to you.

Every volunteer who gave their time.

Every donor who made a gift.

Every sponsor who invested in our mission.

Every participant who registered for the MORE THAN PINK Walk.

Every fundraiser who asked friends and family to support Susan G. Komen

You may have thought you were simply raising money, but you were also helping remove barriers to care. You were helping create meaningful policy change and you were helping save lives.

While this is a tremendous victory, it’s also important to understand that our advocacy work isn’t finished. Gail’s Law applies only to health plans regulated by the state of Wisconsin. We’ll continue working to improve affordable access to screening, treatment and care through state and federal policy until every person has the opportunity for early detection and the best possible outcome.

When people ask where their fundraising goes, Gail’s Law is one of the best examples I can share. The dollars raised here in Wisconsin don’t just fund research and patient support. They also help power our Center for Public Policy’s advocacy efforts creating lasting change for people in our own communities.

That’s an investment that will benefit Wisconsin families for generations.

As I think about this year’s Komen Wisconsin MORE THAN PINK Walk, I won’t just be thinking about the dollars we’ll raise. I’ll be thinking about the lives we’ll change.

Because every person who registers, every volunteer who gives their time, every sponsor who invests and every donor who makes a gift is helping create a healthier future for Wisconsin families.

Gail’s Law is proof that when we come together, we don’t just fund the fight against breast cancer.

Together, we help change what’s possible.

Need help understanding your coverage?
Susan G. Komen’s Breast Care Helpline offers free support from trained patient navigators who can answer questions about insurance, breast imaging, and available resources.
Call: 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)