Cancer survivor advocates for policy changes to protect families from overwhelming medical bills
For many families, surviving cancer is not just about physical recovery.
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – For many, beating a cancer diagnosis goes beyond health. One Omaha cancer survivor is now speaking out to push for medical debt relief across Nebraska.
Diana Gleisberg Meredith initially thought she had an upper respiratory infection in January 2024.
“In January of 2024, I felt like I had some kind of upper respiratory – maybe Pneumonia, RSV…” Meredith said.
Within five hours, she went from her primary care doctor to the emergency room and then to a hospital by ambulance.
“The ER doctor identified that it was cancer, likely lymphoma,” Meredith said.
Diagnosis came as new mother began treatment
The diagnosis came just as Meredith became a new mother, forcing her to begin treatment immediately.
“It’s life changing. You go from not having a care in the world to thinking you’re going to die and how is that going to affect my baby. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through emotionally, physically and mentally,” Meredith said.
She said the diagnosis also brings an unseen financial burden.
“Not everybody is lucky to have the financial support or the human support to help them,” Meredith said.
Treatment costs could reach millions
Meredith underwent 12 chemotherapy treatments, each involving four medications, including one costing more than $130,000. For many families, those costs can reach millions.
After entering remission, Meredith began advocating for medical debt relief for others across Nebraska.
“Nebraskans all throughout the state and right here in Omaha – they’re having to make those decisions about should they save their life, or how do they care for their family,” Meredith said.
Advocacy group plans Washington trip
She now works with Blood Cancer United alongside other Omaha mothers of cancer survivors. The group hosts fundraisers like “Light the Night,” raising thousands of dollars and building support.
In May, they plan to travel to Washington, D.C., for training on how to advocate for policy changes at the federal level.
“Our office of public policy gets together to help train these volunteers, help them get to know each other better and develop familiarity with what it means to go to a lawmakers office in Washington DC,” said Dana Bacon, senior director of government affairs for Blood Cancer United.
Meredith is advocating for lower interest rates on medical debt, protections against foreclosure due to medical bills, and pauses on interest accumulation.
“It’s probably the most stressful thing that you’re going to go through, and then having to add medical debt on top of it? To be honest it’s hell,” Meredith said.
She pointed out that other states already have protections in place. Meredith said Nebraska should follow suit, noting that Iowa limits liens and foreclosures for families overwhelmed by medical debt.
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