20 years ago, they were caring for loved ones. They're still struggling to financially recover.

Jeff Mason works partly because of financial difficulties surrounding caregiving.

Rachel Wisniewski for BI

Jeff Mason, 76, could get by if he didn't drive for Uber until 2 a.m., but money would be tight.

Decades ago, Mason had a stable job in construction, while his wife, a stay-at-home mom, returned to work. However, in 1993, she had pains that required gallbladder surgery. They paid to keep her employer's health insurance after she took a leave of absence. While undergoing treatment, she discovered a lump in her breast.