Before the ACA guaranteed access to coverage, regardless of any pre-existing conditions, Dziedzic and her husband were limited in the kinds of jobs they could take because they needed an employer who provided good health insurance. When her husband wanted to start his own business a few years ago, Dziedzic’s first thought was whether she would get insurance that would cover her medical costs. Thanks to the ACA, she didn’t have to worry about it.

Before her recent surgery, she didn’t know if she would be able to breastfeed because there was a possibility she would get radiation as part of her treatment plan. She prepped during the first six weeks by pumping more than 300 ounces of milk. She ended up not getting radiation after the surgery so she donated her milk to kids who needed it.

After the surgery, her husband took a photo of her at home breastfeeding their son. A large ice pack rested on her neck. By any measure, a person would feel miserable in that moment, she said. But she felt happy.

Recovering cancer patient Nikki Dziedzic breastfeeds her six-week old son after she underwent surgery to remove thyroid cancer. Despite experiencing intense pain, this photo brings her happiness because she didn’t think she could breastfeed him so soon after surgery. She choked up when she described how she felt in the photo. (Photo courtesy of Dziedzic)

“I was thrilled to be nursing my baby,” she said, choking up. “It was a tough time but it was a happy moment to be there and be present. When you get a cancer diagnosis, you don’t know what the future holds. That’s why I’m happy to have this bill pass. I will always vote for whoever is going to protect people’s health care. Everyone has a pre — existing condition, they just may not know it yet. I’ve always said everyone is one accident away from needing access to health care and this shouldn’t be a social service — health care is a right.”

This bill is one of several that legislators are passing this session to address consumer issues such as protecting consumers’ rights, improving affordability and expanding access to services and increasing transparency and quality.