Election 2026 Cancer Patient Photo Essay
Cindy Banda, who is battling cancer while caring for her sister's kids in addition to her own, holds her necklace as she drives past the house from where her sister, Melissa Banda, was abducted by her ex-husband before he killed her, in McAllen, Texas, Sept. 15, 2026.
As featured on
Cindy Banda faces mounting medical bills after battling breast cancer. Despite the single mother's positive outlook, the financial strain combined with the high cost of living is overwhelming. And it's made the Texan who's a three-time supporter of President Donald Trump rethink her politics. Rising healthcare costs are a major concern for many in the United States heading into the Nov. 3 election. Polling shows that registered voters tend to trust Democrats more than Republicans to handle healthcare. Banda knows how that feels. And for the first time in her life she's voted Democratic, casting am early ballot for James Talarico, in the U.S. Senate race.