<human>: Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?

Obligatory back story:  
  
I have been a FIOS customer for 4+ years.  Recently I moved to a temporary location for a few months (I didn't have a choice on the location) that does not have FIOS accessibility.  I called Verizon and explained to the customer service representative what was happening and that I was worried about my email account not being accessible if I were to cancel my account.  The representative replied, "No problemo, Mr. Loyal Customer!" and halted my billing cycle, ensuring me my emails were safe.  
  
Fast forward to today, a few months later, and I received a phone call from a "specialist" in the "Service Fulfillment" department.  He informed me that they will be canceling my account, today.  
  
When I asked about my email account I was informed that it was going to be deleted so that the username would be available as soon as the cancellation processed, likely within 24-48 hours.  
  
As I have 4 years worth of military, school, and work correspondence in that email account, I was frantic to figure out what to do.  
  
I've been on the phone with various departments all throughout the day and no one will help me other than to point me at www.keepmyemail.com, a third party that charges $20/mo to secure the email address and all data associated with it.  
  
Is there anything I can do to stop this or do I just have to accept my fate and pay the $20/mo?  
The way this was handled does not seem appropriate.
<bot>: FIOS is canceling my account and deleting 4 years worth of vital emails tomorrow unless I pay a third party $20/mo.  I am panicking and do not know what to do.