Skylar's Cancer Journey

Hello,

I am Skylar Baker-Jordan. I am a freelance writer and journalist from East Tennessee. That means I am technically self-employed.

On March 17, 2025 I was diagnosed with stage two tonsil cancer. Though I am waiting on treatment to commence, I am already facing a financial crisis. With a high deductible insurance policy bought over the ACA Marketplace, I am already $2000 in debt and no doubt will rack up far more debt as this goes on.

Furthermore, I will be unable to work. I've already been hospitalised once due to this cancer, and even when at home my energy is often depleted by midday - and that's before I've begun treatment. From what I've read from message boards and support groups on Facebook, I should expect to be unable to work for the next several months to year.

That scares me, as I've always valued my independence. It is good for my mental health, which will be invaluable as I fight this cancer. Mostly, I just want to be able to cover my most necessary bills:

Rent (which includes utilities, cable, and internet so it's handily all one bill!): $1350 a month

Car payment and insurance: $550ish a month

Cell phone bill: About $100 a month

Other bills like credit cards I'm less concerned about covering right now. I can always deal with that after treatment. I really just want my essentials covered. Any extra money will be used to pay down medical debt, offset travel expenses of family coming to support me on my journey (Mamaw and Aunt Sheila had to drive two hours here and two hours back twice last week; Mom had to drive five hours across the state).

I know not everyone can afford to chip in. Times are tough, and none of us are rich. But if you can, I would so appreciate your help. And if you can't chip in financially, you can still send me your kind messages - they mean so much to me and have helped me really get through this.

I love you all so much. I'm sorry to have to ask this, but I know you understand. I feel ashamed, but that's because we're raised to think asking for help is weak and wrong and un-American. It isn't. I know that in my head. I just wish someone would tell it to my heart. Yeah, I quoted Sally Field in Steel Magnolias. I'm gay like that.

Thank you for your help. I'm gonna get through this one way or another. But I can't get through it without you. And I don't just mean your money. Please pray for me. Please continue to love on me and support me - and love on and support one another. We all need help right now.

Light and love,

Skylar