Most people either know about the bad economy right now, or they feel the affects from it first hand.The miserable economy is causing even more suffering to those battling serious illnesses. Members of a Seattle breast cancer support group called "Cierra Sisters" say they’re seeing more and more people losing their jobs, homes, insurance and hope.
"Some people are being forced to stop treatment because they have no insurance," said Bridgette Richardson-Hempstead, organizer of the group. "The insurance companies say 'sorry if you have no job, you have no insurance.'"
The group says there is a huge difference in care for people who have private insurance and those who have to rely on Medicare or Medicaid.
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"One woman had to start selling her belongings because she had to pay out-of-pocket for her treatment. She died one month ago today. She had a rare form of cancer. It was so unfair," added Richardson-Hempstead.
In a recent meeting, another woman, Sally Frederickson, said she ended up homeless when her father died, her husband left her and she lost her home shortly after being diagnosed.
"There were many nights where all I did was cry. I had to choose between buying food for my son and saving money for treatment," she said.
Frederickson is one of the many Cierra Sisters success stories. She now has a home and has hit the five-year mark for survival.
"I don’t know what I would have done without this group," said a tearful Frederickson. "We just keep on living like there’s no tomorrow."
This is such an important post! I have already mentioned Cierra Sisters to an acquaintance running into these problems. Thank you!
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