Helen Tobias was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer last October. She said she has been too ill to work since her diagnosis, and SNAP food assistance benefits have provided a crucial bridge.
“If I hadn't had SNAP, there's absolutely no way that I could afford my protein drinks, the food that I needed, like the seafood, the fish, the fresh vegetables," she said.
Tobias is scheduled to speak at the event in opposition to proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Those cuts are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill put forward by President Trump and House Republicans. The House passed the bill last month along party lines.
Mysti Fries also hopes to speak at the event, if she is able to make arrangements to be off work. She said she recently lost her Medicaid coverage, adding that she is not sure why.
“I had to cancel my appointments until I can get things figured out and where to go from there. I can't even make use of my normal maintenance appointments to make sure everything stays okay," she said.
Organizers say they have invited Huizenga to attend the town hall. He did not respond to WMUK’s request to confirm his plans.
The event at the People’s Church in Oshtemo will begin at 7:30 pm on Tuesday.
Michael Symonds reports for WMUK through the Report for America national service program.
