My friend has had a growth on her nose for the last few years. Her father had skin cancer in that same spot, so we were reasonably concerned about it. But she didn't have it tested. She couldn't get insurance, and without the ability to pay for treatment, she saw no point in paying for a diagnosis.
But things are different now. Her tests results came in yesterday. Yes, it's basal cell carcinoma. Yes, it is operable. And yes, the surgery can wait until January. The doctors told her she was exactly the kind of person the new system was designed to help.
By treating it soon, instead of waiting until she could save enough to pay out of pocket, the treatment will be much easier, the damage done to her face much less severe. And although basal cell carcinoma is rarely fatal, it can be.
So here's one more life potentially saved, certainly improved, by the ACA. Thank you, President Obama. Thank you, to all the members of Congress who voted for it. Thank you, to all of you who gave time and money to get those Democrats elected. Thank you, to everyone who wrote a letter, made a call, or signed a petition. Together, we made a difference. We have every right to be proud.