I had no insurance. I was self-employed and, with my medical history, not insurable. When I was diagnosed, my county stepped up and took care of everything. When my cancer came back (or rather they just didn't get it all), it was too advanced for my local oncology departments to handle. I was sent to Shands in Gainesville - another county - and my county health dept contracted with Shands for my care. As things progressed and the bills must have been unbelievable, Florida Medicaid stepped in and took care of the rest.

In recovery, which included hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, home nursing visits, and medication, my county and state took care of everything until my disability Medicare kicked in this past June - 2 1/2 years post Dx. I'm not sure what other states have to offer, or even other counties in my state, but I never had to worry about paying for the incredibly expensive treatments and care I needed to survive. I know that I received the very best care available without question, and that was a true Blessing.

I'm writing this to let the uninsured know that there may be help out there for them. My first step was when I was sent by my first ENT's office immediately after diagnosis to my county hospital's patient assistance representative. She took me under her wing and took care of everything. I was always treated with kindness and respect by all involved from that local hospital rep, to the county health dept, to the state medicaid agent.

I hope my story helps those wihout insurance to find a place to start looking for the help they need.

Lani