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140 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org sexual assault and rape. In Enter Whining, she recalls a horrific home invasion in 1985, in which intruders broke into her home and attacked her and a close family friend, and her 10-year journey of healing, including undergoing therapy. In her Studio 10 interview, she said, "There were women who asked me to sign [my book], and I thought, 'If people could see where I came from that low point to where I am now, maybe it'll help and inspire others who have been sexually assaulted to … pick up the pieces.' "You'll never be the same, but you can forge forward and turn your pain into purpose." Learning how to turn painful personal experiences into activism has served Drescher well in the years since. She is an advocate of LGBTQ causes, including a 2010 partnership with the Human Rights Campaign's project in support of same-sex marriage in New York. Additionally, she has vocalized support of her ex-husband Jacobson, since his coming out in 1999, and the two have continued to develop new projects, including Happily Divorced, which was loosely based on their experiences in the early years following their divorce. But what's been most noted is the attention she's brought to women's health and cancer awareness. Drescher, herself a survivor of uterine cancer, detailed her experiences, including frequent misdiagnoses from several doctors over the course of two years, in her second book, Cancer Schmancer. In 2007, she went on to found the Cancer Schmancer Movement and Cancer Schmancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization that approaches women's health care through wellness education, increased accessibility to early screenings and legislation in support of cancer awareness. The Cancer Schmancer Foundation was integral in the unanimous passing of the 2007 Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act, and as the organization's president, Drescher has frequently spoken in Washington, D.C., in support of cancer education. For her work, she was named one of the Top 5 Celebrity Lobbyists by Washingtonian Magazine, alongside Bono, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Additionally, she has served as a public diplomacy envoy for the U.S. State Department during the Bush and Obama administrations. It is Drescher's history in the industry, experience as a lobbyist and her ability to turn her personal experiences and those of others into greater calls to action that enables her to handle the unique position of SAG-AFTRA president. She championed unity throughout her campaign and echoed those same sentiments during her closing address at the union's 2021 national convention on Oct. 18. "I come into this position without bias or partisanship and will galvanize every single one of you who share my vision," she said. "And may the polarizing fall to the wayside, for our future depends solely on making kindness and compassion for each other our compass. I look forward to working with each of you as we move forward in unity towards the realizing of great achievements and seminal pivots in new and fruitful directions." In addition to pledging to work with other union leaders and legislators, her speech touched on how to reduce waste in the industry, the formation of a senior fund, broadening the eligibility qualifications for the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan, a greater focus on reproductive rights, and a new lifestyle program. "I understand all too well the essential right to quality health care and the importance of good health, and this area will be a significant focal point for me on behalf of all members," said Drescher. "Healthy members means fewer claims, which could translate into better policies at lower premiums, resulting in more members who can qualify for insurance." She also stressed the need for greater diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, as well as a stronger presence of women within union leadership roles and a zero tolerance policy for workplace harassment and assault. She concluded her speech with the earnestness and confidence that has marked her career, both on and off screen. "I wanted to wear a lot of hats in this business, and I'm proud to say that I successfully have. But I have also gained invaluable insights and learned many lessons that will only help us as I steer this ship and seek inroads not navigated. I know that I can make a difference, and everything that I have accomplished in my life has prepared me for this one defining moment. "I ask that you trust me and take this ride with me, as you have nothing to lose and everything to gain." Drescher continues from page 72 GO GREENER WITH THESE ECO-FRIENDLY MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS SAG-AFTRA members can help reduce their carbon footprint with these sustainable alternatives. PAPERLESS BILLING sagaftra.org/onlinebilling PAY DUES ONLINE sagaftra.org/onlinebilling RESIDUALS DIRECT DEPOSIT sagaftra.org/residuals FYC DVDS Opt for streamers when available. sagaftra.org/gogreen MEMBERSHIP CARD Ditch the biannual card for the digital card on the app. sagaftra.org/gogreen MAGAZINE Receive your member magazine by mail or email. sagaftra.org/gogreen