[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 103 (Monday, July 23, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S8061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DONNA CENTRELLA

 Mrs. CLINTON. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Donna Centrella, a very special woman whom I met 2 years ago during my 
campaign in New York. Donna died on Monday after a long, brave battle 
with ovarian cancer.
  I first met Donna in September 1999 when I visited Massena Memorial 
Hospital in Massena, NY. Donna had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer 
in August, but did not have health insurance to cover her treatment. 
Miraculously, she found a doctor who would treat her without insurance 
and she was able to afford care through a variety of State programs.
  Perhaps even more astounding was her doctor's statement that she was 
actually better off without managed care coverage because he could 
better treat her that way. Without HMO constraints, they were free to 
make the decisions about the best procedures to follow for her 
treatment and care: Her doctor could keep her in the hospital as long 
as needed and he would not have to get pre-approval for surgery.
  I have retold Donna's unbelievable story many times since meeting 
this extraordinary woman. Hers is a story that underscores the profound 
need in this country for immediate reform of the way we provide health 
coverage to our citizens. We owe it to patients like Donna to sign 
patient protections into law as soon as possible to ensure that we can 
provide the best medical treatment possible to everyone who needs it.
  We have lost an ally, but I have faith that we will not lose the 
fight for greater patient protections. It saddens me greatly that Donna 
will not be here to see it happen. She was an amazing soul whose 
determination and strength I will never forget.

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