Today we are taking the day to feature stories of every day Iowans who have struggled because of a lack of quality, affordable health care. Every hour, on the hour, we will feature a new story in the hope that these faces and their struggles persuade Senator Charles Grassley that true reform cannot happen without a public health care plan option, and that quality, affordable health care needs to be available to every Iowan.

Alisa Vickrey
Mt. Vernon, IA

I am currently an uninsured student at Cornell College. Growing up, my father's health care plan was not enough to even cover our basic health care needs. My sister had a heart problem and many problems arose that the company decided not to cover her. My family nearly had to opt for bankruptcy as a means of paying hospital bills.

My employer offers me an insurance plan, but it is completely unaffordable for a college student like myself who can't get coverage through their parents' plan. I am forced to go without insurance. Every year I run into health problems and I am not able to go to the doctor like so many of my friends. There needs to be a plan available that I can afford.

Respond to Senator Grassley on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChuckGrassley

Write Senator Grassley and tell him that you want health care reform today:
http://action.seiu.org/page/speakout/24hrs