Dear Representative Jan Schakowsky, leader of the Congressional Women's Caucus:

I am writing to you because you're a strong advocate for women's issues in Congress. Breast cancer continues to affect millions of Americans every year. Almost no one is untouched by this powerful disease. I believe that we need to offer our women more comprehensive care when they are diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

For example, mastectomies can be one of the scariest and traumatizing parts of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, and women should receive comprehensive care before, during, and after this process. A mastectomy can produce many complex emotions for a woman, and it's her personal choice whether or not she undergoes reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy. But this option should always be available to her. Too often, elderly and underprivileged women do not have access to health care at all in times of need, let alone the option for reconstruction.

Currently, there are restrictions to what a woman has access to after this type of surgery. For example, if other treatment methods are viable, but the woman chooses a mastectomy anyway, reconstruction coverage isn't always available.

A woman has the right to rebuild her life and her body after such a traumatizing and personal experience. Please advocate on behalf of breast cancer patients and make breast reconstruction an option for all women who have undergone mastectomies.

Thank you for your time.