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A Life Upended by Cancer

Nicole had built a life centered around helping others. As a dedicated nurse with a passion for travel, she spent her days caring for patients and her free time exploring new places. But at just 25 years old, while on vacation, a seemingly harmless sunburn on her chest led to a shocking discovery. Nicole’s world shifted dramatically when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, launching her into a battle that tested her physically, emotionally, and financially.

Breast cancer ran in Nicole’s family, and deep down, she had an unsettling feeling. However, as a young adult, she found herself deprioritized in the healthcare system. It took nearly five months to receive imaging, and by the time she was officially diagnosed, the tumor had grown substantially. At 25, she was still on her parents’ health insurance, but she knew time was running out. Determined to complete as much treatment as possible before turning 26, she endured four months of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy by May.

Despite her resilience, the financial toll was immense. Forced to move back home to Maine, Nicole juggled multiple jobs, including working overtime and taking a second job as a summer camp nurse. However, she was eventually out of work for nearly a year for treatment and multiple surgeries. Her health insurance coverage changed, and she was ineligible for workplace benefits due to being on disability. Every day was a struggle to keep up with expenses, and the debt mounted.

Finding Support Through EMF’s SAMFund

As a nurse who had worked on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole was used to taking care of others. But when she needed help, she felt hesitant to ask. At first, she grappled with guilt, believing there were others who needed financial assistance more than she did. However, she soon realized that survivorship came with its own set of burdens, and organizations like Expect Miracles Foundation (EMF) understood that cancer’s financial impact didn’t end with remission.

When Nicole was approved for a SAMFund grant, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The grant allowed her to pay for a month of rent, alleviating the immediate financial pressure. 

Nicole continues to work on rebuilding her financial stability. However, the support she received has allowed her to focus on her future with renewed determination.

Moving Forward: A New Purpose in Oncology

After completing treatment, Nicole transitioned to working in surgical oncology, a deeply personal decision shaped by her own experience as a cancer patient. She understands firsthand the overwhelming nature of medical advice, the emotional toll of treatment, and the need for hope during the darkest times.

The Importance of Spreading Awareness 

Nicole has made it a priority to share her story, not just to advocate for financial resources like the SAMFund grant program but also to spread awareness about the realities of young adult cancer. She is also training for a half marathon in Chicago with other breast cancer survivors, a true testament to her resilience. She has found solace in connecting with other young adult survivors, and she encourages others to seek support.

Nicole’s journey is a testament to the resilience of young adult cancer survivors and the impact of organizations that recognize the financial challenges of survivorship. Currently working in surgical oncology, she hopes to get her master’s degree to advance her nursing career, helping spread awareness to other young adults and support them throughout treatment and survivorship. With the help of Expect Miracles Foundation through its SAMFund grant program, she is not only reclaiming her financial stability but also using her experience to guide and support others walking a similar path.

About EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program

​ Due to the high costs associated with treatment and survivorship, young adults experience financial toxicity at a greater level than any other age group.  SAMFund grants help to alleviate the financial burden resulting from cancer treatment. Thank you to donors for supporting EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program. Because of your generosity, we are helping young adult cancer survivors build bridges to help them get where they were intended to go before cancer disrupted their lives.

What SAMFund Grant Recipients Say