Alice’s Story

Cancer at 25 – I want to grow, not survive

Turning 25 was supposed to be a milestone. I was just getting started in my career, enjoying life, and planning my future. But a week before my birthday, everything changed. I was diagnosed with high-risk breast cancer.

It’s hard to describe how quickly my life turned upside down. One moment I was full of energy, planning parties and work projects, and the next, I was in a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, scans, and treatment plans. My diagnosis meant aggressive treatment – surgery, chemotherapy, radiation – and it left me too weak to continue working. I had no choice but to stop everything and focus on fighting for my life.

I was lucky enough to have health insurance that covered the majority of my medical treatments, but no one prepared me for the financial burden outside of that. As a young adult just starting out, I didn’t have much in savings, and suddenly, my income was gone. The rent, utilities, groceries, transportation to and from the hospital, and other basic living expenses didn’t stop just because I had cancer. They piled up quickly, and I found myself relying on my parents, family and friends to help me get by.

But the hardest part wasn’t just asking for financial help – it was knowing that while I was fighting to survive, I was also facing the real possibility of losing everything I had worked so hard for to make a next step in life. I had to move back home with my parents because I could no longer afford to live independently. The stress of not knowing how I was going to manage financially was overwhelming, and it took a toll on my mental health.

That’s why I wish I had known about Inqus at the time. A product like this, which offers a financial payout upon diagnosis, would have made all the difference. Instead of worrying about how I was going to pay my bills, I could have focused solely on my recovery. Having that financial cushion would have meant I could keep my apartment, pay for transport to my treatments, and cover other essential costs without having to put all that weight on others.

Cancer is something no one is prepared for, especially at a young age. It not only impacts your health, but it can turn your entire life upside down. I’m sharing my story because I hope others can learn from it. I want people to know that there are ways to protect themselves from the financial stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. It’s never too early to think about how you would manage, should the unthinkable happen.

If you’re reading this, I encourage you to consider your financial security. Products like Inqus can provide the support you need when you need it most, allowing you to focus on what really matters – your health.

This is a true story with names changed for privacy. If you or someone you know has experienced something similar, we encourage you to share your story and help others prepare for the unexpected.