Washington, DC - Retired SEIU member Kathy DeVincentis stood with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders at a press conference on Capitol Hill today to share her story on the need for Congress to move quickly on healthcare reform:

My name is Kathy DeVincentis. I spent almost 30 years on the front lines of healthcare as a nurse in Wilmington, Delaware. My husband Armando and I were also the owners of a small auto repair business employing 15 people, providing them healthcare coverage as well.

"I spent the last 10 years of my nursing career as a hospice nurse, during that time I heard the most horrible stories of people struggling with the healthcare system. I thought they had to be mistaken, this couldn't be happening in a country like ours. Then, I had to take time off to care for my husband following complications from a debilitating stroke.

"During that time went in for a routine mammogram. It showed a significant tumor was growing in my breast. I needed both surgery and chemotherapy. I had Cobra insurance, but no income since I had taken off work to care for my husband.

"My plan carried a monthly premium of $1,000, no prescription drug coverage to help me fight my cancer but it did come with a $5,000 deductible.

"Our son had taken over running the business but we were told they would raise the premium so high to make it unaffordable if they added us. I did not want my son or our employees to lose coverage because of his parent' illnesses.

"Although I had not planned on it, I decided I needed to apply for my Social Security benefit at age sixty two.

"I was lucky, I finally got the care I needed and it saved my life. My husband and I are now on Medicare Advantage, a public plan that has worked, giving us the care we need at a price that we can afford.

"Congress needs to pass health reform so no woman has to die from breast cancer because she can't afford care. We need a strong public option so small business can continue to afford to cover their employees. I call on you today to do the right thing for hardworking Americans like Armando and me."

With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy."

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