My name is Evelyn (Eva) Whitlock and this is probably the most humbling and humiliating thing that I’ve ever had to do, but I honestly don’t know what else I can do.

Almost 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a double mastectomy and went back and forth to Portland for treatment. I do have insurance, but with the deductibles, medicine, and copays, I have still been out of pocket about $20,000 a year. On February 3rd, I was $600 away from having all of my medical debt paid off. On February 3rd, I was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive adenocarcinoma rectal cancer. So far, I have paid about $5,000 out of pocket and we’re not even in April yet. I cashed in my 401K and sold all of my jewelry and everything else I had of any value to pay it all off. I was very much looking forward to going back to work and getting my life back on track, but the universe has other plans for me, I guess, and I will have to wait a little longer to go back to work. The only thing I have left of value is my house, which I have listed for sale, but I don’t have any way of knowing how long it will take to sell. I have applied for all of the financial assistance through the hospital, and today I got the rejection letter in the mail. It feels like the stress from the financial aspect of having cancer is harder than actually having cancer. I don’t know what else to do. I have worked hard my whole life to get where I am, and it feels like my world is being ripped apart. It’s a terrible feeling to know that it would be cheaper for me to die than to keep fighting. I feel overwhelmed having to ask for help, but am at a loss for what to do.

I appreciate you reading this, and I would appreciate it if you could share it if you feel compelled to do so.