My name is Nikki Bateman, and Suzette is my beloved sister-in-law. She and my brother Randy have two grown children, Ian and Alana. While raising their family and working, she and Randy have selflessly cared for our widowed Mom for over 20 years.  Since my brother is self-employed and Suzette works part time, they do not have medical insurance.

Suzette was recently diagnosed with neuroendocrine/glandular carcinoma (mixed). This form of cancer only accounts for 1-2% of all diagnoses, meaning that treatment and outlook is very difficult due to its rarity. Not including chemotherapy, which begins at $6,000 and costs upwards of $50,000 per round (of which she will need multiple), simply getting tested to confirm the results has already cost almost $10,000. The family falls into the gap between affording health insurance and qualifying for Medicaid. They were turned down by financial aid, and if she begins treatment she will not be able to continue working. She is in pain most days.