to remind us why this work is so important, please welcome cathy stokes, who will tell her own storyabout why the affordable care act is so meaningful to her and will introduce the vice president. [applause] >> hi, everyone. my name is cathy stokes and when , i could my adult life not have imagined one day i would own my own business, that i would be a mom, let alone a single mom to twins, and i could have never imagined i would be standing here before you this morning is a breast cancer survivor. this is my obamacare success story. made the jump into self-employment to start my own communication consulting business. it was scary, but i was able to get health coverage through her and we thought it was as good a time as any to make a leap. i was a big fan until my marriage ended at the end of 2010. i tried to get health insurance in the private marketplace that i was denied due soon -- due to some minor pre-existing conditions. however, i was eligible for cobra benefits from my ex- husband's job, so i knew i would have covered for three years. 2012.orward to i found a lump on my breas