Family battles cancer and the economy

Sussex, WI (WIVB) - Michelle Caudel was living the life she had always dreamed of, a stay-at-home Mom, happily married to her high school sweetheart.

The couple had three children and for 21 years her husband worked at a plastics company called Poly One, not far from their home in Sussex, Wisconsin. The, this past February Bill Caudel lost his job.

"Technically, the economy put me in this situation. If his plant hadn't closed I wouldn't be here right now," said Michelle, who is fighting cancer.

Their situation is this, three years ago doctors diagnosed Michelle with ovarian cancer. Surgery has not working, neither so far has chemotherapy. This past May, the cancer returned. No job meant, the Caudel's had no insurance and few options.

"Kind of in May we knew the cancer would be coming back. And when it came to him finding employment, insurance would be a key factor," said Michelle.

At the age of 39, Bill Caudel decided he would get insurance and a job by doing something he had always thought about, joining the Army.

"I just kind of laughed and then all of a sudden he was down there at the recruiting office and he was kind of excited about it and I decided I've been through this cancer and he's been there for me and I would support him," Michelle said. "He's been there for me, cleaning the house. I mean he'd go to work come home and clean the house."

A few weeks ago, Bills left for boot camp at Fort Knox, Tennessee.

For her part, there is frustration the economy has turned on her family, but Michelle also feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

"I'm proud of him," she said.