HEATHER BLOCK

Heather Block (Age 55)  
Died of breast cancer on March 3, 2018. She is survived by her brother, Brian Block, his wife Kathy, her niece Halle, her sister Lisa Block, and a global network of friends she created over a 17-year career developing and implementing international aid projects in over 35 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. When her career was cut short by a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in 2011, Heather then turned to lobbying as an independent patient advocate for affordable and accessible drug policies and health insurance. She testified before Congress; spoke on panels, including the President's Cancer Panel; published editorials and blogs, and has been quoted in CNN, Associated Press, New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today, among others, as well as public information campaigns produced by AARP. In her home state of Delaware, she drafted and ensured the passage of a law in 2013 that mandated insurers provide Medicare supplemental coverage to the disabled under 65. Her years of advocacy cemented her belief in investigative journalism as essential to a democratic society. For those wishing to honor her memory, donations in Heather's name may be made to ProPublica. A Celebration of life will be held in Lewes, DE at a date to be announced.