Stephanie: Overland Park, KS

In July of 2010, Stephanie found a lump in her breast while showering and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30. Over the span of a year, Stephanie endured eight rounds of chemotherapy, over a month of radiation and a double mastectomy. 

At the time of Stephanie’s breast cancer diagnosis, she was working at a small business and was uninsured. After her diagnosis, Stephanie learned she was eligible for Medicaid through the state’s Early Detection Works program. “Without Medicaid, I would not be alive today. Breast cancer can be a huge financial struggle. Thanks to Medicaid, that stress was lifted off me, and I didn’t have to worry about how I would be able to afford it.” 

Stephanie now lives in Overland Park, KS and recently enrolled as a full-time student at Johnson County Community College. On top of her studies, she continues to work full-time as a server and has volunteered for various cancer groups including the American Cancer Society, the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the Young Survival Coalition, so she can help others who are facing the same diagnosis.

Want to see more of Stephanie’s story? Watch Critical Condition: Stories of Health in the Heartland, a short film featuring community members and health professionals from across Kansas sharing their challenges and triumphs as they strive to take care of themselves, their families, and their communities.