Every day someone is diagnosed with cancer. With that diagnosis comes a whirlwind of "unknowns" for the patient and the family of the patient. Typically multiple scans are ordered, biopsies are scheduled, and a diagnosis is provided and a treatment plan is finalized that includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, as well as various other procedures and treatments. The last thing an oncology patient should worry about is being harassed not only by the healthcare system, as well as the debt collection agencies where the unpaid bills are sent.

Last year, on December 6, 2021, my Mother was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma, also referred to as Bile Duct Cancer, which is one of the most rare and aggressive types of cancer especially if diagnosed in the latter stages. Within the past year my Mother has undergone two biopsies, exploratory surgery, port placement, CT/ PET scans, and 25 chemotherapy treatments (3 times per week) every other week. In the midst of battling this invisible enemy, she was continually harassed by the healthcare system financial department, as well as turned into three debt collection agencies. My Mother should NOT be worried about this while undergoing such invasive treatment and the physical, emotional and mental state that she has been in throughout the past year.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We must advocate for ALL oncology patients to protect them and their assets, as well as the continued harassment from financial organizations. PLEASE TAKE A STAND WITH ME AND ADVOCATE FOR THESE ONCOLOGY PATIENTS. They need to be able to focus on their treatment, getting better, and not worrying about the financial aspects and balances left once their insurance has paid. 

WE NEED TO STAND BESIDE THEM AND FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS AS PATIENTS AND PUSH LAWMAKERS TO CREATE AND PASS LAWS THAT WILL PROTECT THEM AS THEY BATTLE THIS INVISIBLE ENEMY EVERYDAY SO THAT THEY CAN SURVIVE AND OVERCOME CANCER.