U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced that Roshni Kamta, a Jersey City native and breast cancer survivor, will be his guest at the State of the Union address this week. Kamta's personal experience with a stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis at 22 years old led her to freeze her eggs and advocate for wider access to fertility treatments, particularly for breast cancer patients and women of color in healthcare.
After receiving her diagnosis, Kamta's oncologist informed her that the necessary chemotherapy could impact her ability to have children in the future. She was advised to freeze her eggs quickly before starting cancer treatment, but the high cost of the fertility procedure was not covered by her insurance. Kamta eventually received a grant from The Chick Mission, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring young women with cancer diagnoses have the opportunity to preserve their fertility.
Senator Booker emphasized the importance of listening to individuals like Kamta and the need to protect access to fertility treatments, particularly in light of recent court rulings and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case. He highlighted the importance of removing barriers to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and promoting healthcare policies that prioritize dignity and choice for all.
Kamta, a Rutgers University graduate and marketing professional at Inc. Magazine, expressed gratitude for Senator Booker's efforts to make fertility treatments more accessible. She also emphasized her commitment to sharing her story and advocating for other women navigating their cancer journeys, especially women of color who face disparities in breast cancer treatment.
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