On December 26, 2007, President Bush signed an Omnibus spending bill that appropriated $6.5 million towards Johanna's Law, allowing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to launch a national campaign in 2008 to educate American women and health professionals about the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers.

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Johanna's Law, by the way is named for Johanna Silver Gordon, who tragically died from ovarian cancer in 2000.
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Johanna's Law was created by her sister Sheryl Silver. "By educating the public about the risk factors and symptoms of gynecologic cancers, Johanna's Law will help women recognize potentially dangerous symptoms and seek appropriate medical attention sooner", she said. However, what many of you (who are fans of actress and comedian Fran Drescher like me) may not realize is her role in the passage of this Bill.
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Here is what The Honorable Orin Hatch said: "I would like to acknowledge Ms. Fran Drescher who must deserve great credit for getting this legislation through the Congress. Her commitment to having this bill signed into law has been very impressive to me. Ms. Drescher has tirelessly visited with Members of Congress this entire week and will be staying in town until this legislation is passed by both Houses of Congress.

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While I have known Fran for many years, it was gratifying to be reminded of her tremendous enthusiasm and her commitment to women's health. Ms. Drescher is extremely articulate when she was advocating for Johanna's law. And that is because as a cancer survivor herself, she is strongly committed to educating women about awareness and early detection of gynecologic cancers.

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It was painful for me to hear her story. Over a period of two years, Ms. Drescher tried to get a diagnosis for her symptoms. She saw eight doctors before being told that she had uterine cancer. This should never happen. Ms. Drescher recognizes that women must know the early warning signs of all gynecologic cancers and which tests are available because women cannot assume that these tests will be offered to them.

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In addition, she is the author of the book 'Cancer Schmancer' which discusses how she beat uterine cancer. Her dedication and commitment have made a tremendous difference and we all greatly appreciate her efforts. Mr. President, both Ms. Warren and Ms. Drescher are truly amazing women who have shown a selfless dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

I want a screening test to be developed so that it will be easier to diagnose gynecological cancers in the early stages of the disease. I am tired of women having limited health care options because of late stage diagnosis. This must change. But, I am hopeful that we can start to make a difference in the lives of all women the minute that this bill is signed into law. I urge my colleagues to support Johanna's Law."

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President Bush signed Johanna's Law officially on January 12, 2007. This landmark legislation authorizes development of a national gynecologic cancer awareness campaign. Both houses of Congress unanimously approved Johanna's Law: The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act in late 2006. So, while "The Nanny" television series may have ended its run, Fran is very much active and involved with improving the lives of millions of women. And that, my friends is part of what the late Burt Lancaster said in "The Bird Man of Alcatraz". When asked by a fellow prisoner why he shouldn't kill himself, Lancaster's character said: "Because our first duty in life is to live it!" Fran is an example of this spirit and I hope we see her back on TV or the Theater screen soon!
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK, ALL!