Stephanie Villaranga, a special education teacher from New York, has bravely shared her journey with breast cancer and the significant financial strains that have accompanied her diagnosis. At just 29 years old, Villaranga’s life took an unexpected turn when she received the news that she had the disease, forcing her and her partner, who have a young child, to confront not only the challenges of her health but also the mounting pressures of financial instability.
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In a heartfelt TikTok video posted in July, Villaranga spoke candidly about her struggles, tearfully expressing, “I’m literally just trying to survive.” Her story quickly resonated with many, shedding light on the hidden costs of cancer treatment and the impact it has on families. She returned to her teaching position this month, working without pay, while actively undergoing chemotherapy.
Before her diagnosis, Villaranga felt secure in her financial situation, stating that she and her partner were not extravagant but fortunate enough to manage their expenses comfortably. However, the reality of her diagnosis introduced overwhelming worry. During her first medical consultation, her doctor advised her to consider freezing her eggs before the initiation of treatment. This required an unexpectedly hefty sum of £19,000, which needed to be secured within a week. With the support of a viral TikTok campaign and a GoFundMe page, she successfully raised the necessary funds.
As she began her treatments in June 2025, Villaranga faced unforeseen complications. Rather than a straightforward treatment protocol, her recovery needed extensive medical attention, resulting in a commitment of eight days to ensure her health was monitored adequately. Unfortunately, this coincided with a depletion of her sick leave, leading to necessary conversations about her financial remuneration. “My principal was supportive, saying ‘Do what you have to do, but your pay will be affected,’” Villaranga recalled, expressing her concern for her job security amid her health crisis.
The challenges of her chemotherapy continued into the next school year, leaving her fatigued and experiencing persistent nausea. She pushed through, working until the day of her December surgery in hopes of minimising her leave, but soon faced more unwelcome news. After her operation, Villaranga was informed that her pay would be significantly reduced for an extended period due to her medical leave, as she no longer qualified for her full health insurance.
Her sarcasm was palpable when she reflected on the experience, stating, “‘Amazing. Okay. Take half my paycheck,’” capturing the frustration felt by many in similar circumstances. Just as she thought her situation might improve, she received further notification in June that the remainder of her salary would vanish due to her incomplete work tenure during the academic year, leaving her in an even more precarious position.
While NYC Public Schools did not comment on Villaranga’s situation, referring to their policy regarding employee leaves, she continues to navigate her challenging circumstances with support from her family who help care for her and her child. Still, another surgery looms on the horizon, and she’s considering postponing it to June to avoid further financial setbacks.
Throughout this arduous journey, Villaranga has maintained an active presence on TikTok, connecting with others who share similar experiences. Her videos have not only chronicled her personal battle but also highlighted systemic issues within the healthcare and employment sectors. “It’s been very frustrating,” she shared, “and even more so knowing that others are experiencing the same struggles.”
Villaranga’s story illustrates the often-overlooked financial and emotional toll of cancer on patients and their families. As she continues to bravely confront her circumstances, she becomes a voice for many facing systemic challenges in healthcare and job security during times of personal crisis. Through her advocacy and transparency, she hopes to inspire change and support others going through similar hardships.