Drafting legislation is certainly a process. It takes hours and hours of discussions and it is rare that all the parties involved agree on the specifics. Sometimes it can feel like we are just pushing paper from one side of the table to the other, and then pushing it back. Last year I worked diligently with Representative Pat Verschoore and the Ballard family to draft legislation promoting testicular cancer awareness. It was a long and arduous task, but yesterday I witnessed the end result and was reminded why our roles as legislators are important.

Brandon Ballard was a young man that lived in my district. He died of testicular cancer at age 19. His cancer had developed for two years before he was aware of its existence, though he was active in sports and had yearly physical exams.

Brandon’s parents, Jim and Kristin, came into my office and expressed their desire to prevent this from happening to other families. They wanted to increase awareness for the disease and I agreed. I was moved by the way the family turned a personal tragedy into a positive cause.

Jim and Kristin Ballard worked with me to draft Senate Bill 1665, or "Brandon’s Law." The legislation, now signed by Governor Quinn into law, requires testicular cancer awareness to be taught in high school health classes. If anything, this unfortunate circumstance demonstrates that this disease can affect men of all ages. Bringing attention to young men about the seriousness of the issue will impress upon them the importance of being screened through life.

The cancer education program will also include information on risk factors, symptoms of the disease and resources for assistance. In addition, the Illinois High School Association will include questions on family histories of cancer and may require testicular examinations as a part of sports physicals.

Yesterday, at Rockridge High School in Taylor Ridge, I saw students, teachers, friends and family join together to remember a young man who lost his battle with testicular cancer. I watched many tears flow as I presented Jim and Kristin Ballard with a signed copy of the legislation. They were grateful, but it was still almost surreal. They lost a son, I handed them a piece of paper and a pen.

The Ballards weren’t trying to replace Brandon, or his memory. They simply want to prevent other families from suffering the tragedy that they did. They accepted the signed bill with smiles and tears because they know that this legislation will save lives. It will open young men to the knowledge that Brandon didn’t have.

I am thankful to Jim and Kristin Ballard for having the courage to use their loss as an example and to help further legislation that will help prevent this in the future.