Gwen Williams

Gwen was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 3 years ago. She is fine today and thankful that she had full healthcare coverage when she was first diagnosed. She has a zero balance both for the radiation therapy and for the surgery. But she is still not in the clear.

Gwen must be cancer-free for 5 years before she is considered to be in remission. That means that anything that happens between now and then could potentially put her at risk. Because of this, Gwen pays special attention to the nutrients her body needs and what she eats. 

“To keep my cancer in check, I have to buy protein and veggies,” said Gwen. “I have to keep my immune system up. But, I can't always afford it. Most of my bills I have to take care of first.”

Gwen knows that a lot of the choices she makes dramatically affect her health and she hates having to make the decision between rent and vegetables - something she faces every month. Her fridge is rarely full, as she can only afford to purchase all of her necessities-including food and toiletries, such as deodorant and toilet paper-when she receives her annual vacation pay.

Gwen worries that her contractor will change her health care plan. Should she relapse while not under her current Kaiser plan, she would not be able to afford treatment.

“I'm afraid that they will mess with my [plan]. I don't have any money to spare.”