Heather Barger, a budding speech pathologist, helps children deal with the reality of death and life every day. She should know, as she herself has been through cancer.

Barger, aged 19, has been through the trials of leukemia for the past 10 years. This includes bone marrow transplants and intense chemotherapy. She also received a stem cell transplant. Barger can share her knowledge, support, and wisdom to those who are fighting childhood cancer through the Care to Share Cancer Connection online messaging boards. They were created by the National Children’s Cancer Society’s Beyond the Cure program.

“I know when I was going through all of my problems, it would have been nice to talk to people about what was going on -; and knowing others were going through the same thing,”Barger stated. “It’s good to have help and a place where questions can be answered.”

Nearly 80 percent of children with cancer are now alive. This is an increase of 55 per cent compared to previous years. This means that there are more children who need ongoing care and support.

Family members affected by childhood cancer can access the Care to Share Cancer Connection to have their questions answered at any time, anywhere in the world, with just a click. Participation helps survivors and their families cope with and find strength during the worst of their illness.

Social workers, parents of survivors, and young adults who have experienced cancer themselves moderate the message board. Barger has been in remission since 2005 and is just one of the caring moderators that can speak from their experience.

“It’s a comfort zone, not only for people dealing with the same health challenges, but also for parents dealing with a seriously ill child,”Christine Leeper MSW is a NCCS Case Manager and Message-board Moderator. “Sometimes only another parent who’s ‘been there’ can truly understand what they’re going through.”

Visit Care to Share Cancer Connection to join. www.thenationalchildrenscancersociety.org/forums.

Today’s life is very fast. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious illnesses and injuries. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is a necessity in today’s world. It is vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.