Alysia Lim – You Need a Plan
A disability isn’t always caused by a devastating accident or illness. It can mean a health crisis that takes away your ability to earn a living as you always have. That was the case for Alysia Lim’s father. An aneurysm, and resulting surgery to address it, has made it impossible for him to continue working as an emergency room physician. But Dr. Lim had prepared for the unforeseen with adequate amounts of insurance, including disability insurance. View full story
April Holmes – A Track Star’s Life-Changing Accident
After April Holmes lost her left leg in a train accident, she feared that she would lose her home and her dreams for the future. But thanks to disability insurance as well as accidental death and dismemberment coverage provided by her employer, April had the financial stability to continue pursuing her dreams. Soon after learning how to walk again, April began running. Today she is considered the fastest female amputee in the world, having won gold at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. View full story
Ashley Tew – A Young Nurse Finds New Hope
A disability can strike at any age. At 24, Ashley Tew was just beginning her dream job as a pediatric nurse when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and went on disability leave. Disability insurance helped pay for her medical bills and other expenses. Since Ashley couldn’t be on her feet for long periods of time, she couldn’t return to her previous job. Through the return-to-work program that her insurance company offered, Ashley got vocational-rehab services as well as job-seeking assistance, which helped her land a desk job with her previous employer. View full story
Barry Shore – Optimism and Planning Prevail
Barry Shore, a 55-year-old real estate executive, was enjoying a normal life when a rare neurological disorder struck suddenly, causing him to lose all movement in his body. Throughout his ordeal, money is one thing Barry and his family haven’t worried about thanks to smart insurance planning. Disability insurance payments have replaced more than half of Barry’s income. And long-term care insurance has provided more than enough to pay for in-home care as well as physical, occupational and water therapy. View full story
Bill Reid – Survival Instincts, Smart Planning Save the Day
Bill Reid was 32 when a horrific car accident nearly claimed his life. He had to relearn how to walk and talk, and short-term memory loss has made it impossible for him to return to work. Fortunately, Bill had purchased individual disability insurance and had additional coverage through work, which has enabled him to maintain the same lifestyle he had before the accident. View full story
Cindy Wrenn – A New Home Saved From Disaster
Cindy and Matt Wrenn were days away from closing on their dream home, when Cindy, just 28 years old, was stricken with a brain aneurysm and had a stroke during surgery. Though Cindy’s prognosis was uncertain, money was one thing the Wrenn’s didn’t have to worry about during Cindy’s recovery thanks to disability insurance Cindy had through work and on her own. Had Cindy not had coverage, their mortgage application would have been denied because the Wrenn’s would not have qualified on Matt’s salary alone. Today, Cindy is back at work, her health is good, and she and Matt are thrilled with their new home in picturesque rural Maryland. View full story
Diana Geistler – A Plan for All Possibilities
When Dale Geistler started his own business, he knew that he’d have to reevaluate the insurance coverages he carried. Following a discussion with his financial representative, Dale agreed to increase his life insurance coverage and buy disability income insurance. Thirteen years later, Dale was diagnosed with leukemia. When he became too ill to work, he relied on his disability insurance to help pay the family’s bills and cover the cost of specialized cancer treatments. At age 55, Dale succumbed to the cancer. Disability benefits provided for Dale’s family when he was ill, and proceeds from his life insurance have helped his wife, Diana, pay off debts, cover living expenses and make long-term financial plans. View full story
Frank Szatkowski – Insurance Safety Net Holds Fast
Frank was a successful dentist before Lou Gehrig’s disease robbed him of the ability to speak, walk or even eat. The disease forced Frank to stop working, but a safety net of insurance protected his business and his family. A business overhead disability policy helped cover office expenses and pay employee salaries. And a buy-sell agreement funded by disability insurance enabled Frank’s partner to buy out his share of the practice. With the money from the buy-out and benefits from an individually owned disability insurance policy, Frank’s family continues to be financially secure and can afford the 24-hour home care Frank needs to maintain his quality of life.” View full story
Harry Waizer – Surviving 9/11
Harry Waizer went to work on September 11, 2001 thinking it would be a day like any other. Harry worked on the 104th floor of One World Trade Center, and was in an elevator when the first plane struck the towers. Despite suffering severe burns over much of his body, Harry survived. He has recovered financially as well, thanks to benefits from disability and life insurance. View full story
Jerry Sullivan – The “Gift” of Financial Security
A series of strokes ended Jerry Sullivan’s working life and left him feeling as if he was in a dream, unable to wake up. But disability insurance kept that dream from turning into a financial nightmare. Though unable to work, Jerry still gets a regular paycheck and is able to maintain the lifestyle he and his family enjoyed before his disability struck. View full story
Larry Prier – Smart Decisions Provide for a Family
At age 39, Larry Prier, a senior executive for a major corporation, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His quickly deteriorating condition left him unable to work, but disability insurance helped his family maintain their lifestyle. Tragedy struck again when Larry fell down a flight of stairs and suffered a serious brain injury. Disability insurance helped Larry’s family provide him with additional care, and enabled them to continue planning for the future. View full story
Meredith Moore – A Triathlete’s Greatest Challenge
At 30, Meredith Moore found out she had a malignant brain tumor, which required three brain surgeries and chemotherapy. Disability insurance benefits replaced 60% of her income, delivering financial relief to her family and allowing her to focus on her recovery. View full story