Adrienne Frank was facing a challenging recovery following the removal of part of her jawbone due to cancer. Some of the obstacles included a feeding tube, trouble speaking, and extreme pain. This being her sixth oral cancer diagnosis in 11 years, extensive treatment was prescribed. This contributed further challenges to a return to work. 

Though Frank wanted to return to work, when her 12-week medical leave was up, she was simply not ready. When she requested, or in her words begged, for more time, her job denied her and she was fired, causing her to lose her income and health insurance. Despite improvements and advancements in detection and treatment of cancer, workplace laws have unfortunately remained inadequate and antiquated. 

For more on the current state of workplace protections, and how they are lacking, click here.