My name is Angie Brechtel. I am a breast cancer and uterine cancer survivor. I recovered from multiple surgeries, chemotherapies, and radiation. I fought chemo-induced fatigue, insomnia, short-term memory loss, weight gain from steroids, changes in my vision, dehydration from constant vomiting, several kidney infections and deep depression. I missed a lot of work. While I had excellent insurance coverage, I had out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles that were not covered under my plan. My employer told me if I did not work my required hours, I would be considered part-time and lose all my health benefits. I am one person. I often wondered how others managed their own battles.

Through research, I received over 1,500 emails from individuals and families who said: They return to work too soon after surgeries - taking longer to heal, setting themselves up for infections. Their treatments knock them off their feet, but they drag themselves to work out of fear of losing their jobs. They have used their vacation time, sick days, and personal days, and any additional time missed cuts into their income. Their insurance (if they are lucky to have insurance) does not pick up all their medical expenses. Bills accumulate. They get behind on a mortgage payment - a car payment. They promise that they will make it up quickly, but miss a second payment - a third. They lose their jobs and homes. One email simply said: "We lose everything but our lives".

While the American Disabilities Act and the Family Leave Act offer protection from employer discrimination, the laws vary from state to state and do not apply to small businesses. Those who file for Social Security disability benefits are usually denied the first time around, and there are those who are on their fourth and fifth appeals. When approval finally comes and payments begin, a chunk goes to the attorney who filed the process on their behalf. And the monthly payments are often too little, too late.

Organizations that provide short-term financial assistance are few and far between. They mostly target a specific disease and operate only within their own geographical area. Mortgage companies and other lending institutions are not sympathetic to their battles. When they are trying their best not to lose everything, the welfare system tells them in order for the State to provide assistance, they need to lose all their assets. Cancer and other such organizations offer support in terms of information, such as diet and exercise. There are a few that will offer small grants or financial counseling, but most organizations are focused on research for a cure for a specific disease. They are not set up to assist those who are battling now.

Where do you go when all other sources have failed you? You can turn to THE RIBBON MOSAIC. We will provide short-term financial assistance through small grants - a short reprieve on a mortgage payment, car payment or utility payment. We will provide you with online links to travel assistance, discounted lodging, hospitals, organizations, legal and financial counseling, clinical trials, etc. We will legislate on your behalf for laws that will restrict financial institutions from foreclosing on your home or repossessing your car during your battle. We will legislate against restrictions on medical equipment not covered under Medicare and insurance plans, in an effort to make such equipment more affordable and accessible to those who need them to make their lives easier.

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