I was recently diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. It had been 18 months since I had my last mammogram. My husband was out of work for a year and I could not go to the doctor sooner as I was aware that health insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. When my husband did get a job with health insurance, I was able to get a mammogram. If I had gone sooner, it would have been early stage 1 and I could have been saved from having to get chemotherapy and three surgeries.

The doctors tell me that if I had waited another year, I would have probably lost my life. No one should have to be afraid of going to the doctor because they know it could possibly disqualify them from getting insurance. We were lucky my husband got a job with a company that offers good health insurance.

We had a friend who died five years ago because he could not afford chemotherapy and his only hope was to die quickly so his wife would not be left a widow AND financially ruined. His wish was granted and he died quickly...what a choice to have to make.

While congress is taking their time on health care reform, many of us are playing Russian roulette with our lives.