Most Kira Olsen's childhood consistent of hospital waiting rooms until her father's illness took his life when she was just 11. "I can't express how much my family would have benefitted from life insurance." Kira words are from experience. Like many families, her family was a victim of the lack of life insurance and they continue to carry the burden of it.
Forrest Wold-McGimsey and his three brothers grew up on a small farm, surrounded by animals, nature and the love of their parents, Sarah and Brian. Forrest was just 10 years old when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, before it claimed her life a few years later. Since she didn't have life insurance, their family was forced to sell their home, and Forrest and his brothers had to start working to keep their family afloat.
John Gongos took the time to make sure neither his family nor business would suffer financially if something happened to him. After his sudden death, his policy was there for his family and the business succession plan was there to take care of his employees and keep his business running.
At just 27, Michael Sizemore was struck by a drunk driver and almost died from his injuries. His disability insurance has ensured that he is OK financially, as he is unable to work. "I'm still rebuilding my life. And I wouldn't be where I am without my disability insurance," says Michael.
At age 10, Hannah Schwartz, lost her mother. With no life insurance, her family was left scrambling to find a way to pay for funeral costs and everyday expenses. Hannah and her father know firsthand what not having life insurance means.
Most think, “It will never happen to me.” But disabilities do strike, and for Valerie King and her, husband Tim, it struck twice. Because both had disability insurance, they’ve been able to live a life with financial dignity and create a good life for their family.
Scott Young liked to dream big, but he also kept those dreams grounded in reality. He had the foresight to insure both his “families”—at home and at his small business. When a paddle-boarding accident took his life, both were taken care of financially.
When the Pages’ son, Adam, was born with spina bifida, they tapped into the cash value that accumulated in their whole life policies. The money helped pay for many items that were not covered under their health insurance, like special braces that Adam needed to walk. It also allowed him to pursue his dream. Adam, at 19, became the youngest person to make the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team that won the gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Vancouver.
At 22 years old, Summer was juggling what many young adults do—school and a job. When she found out she was going to be a mom for the first time, she bought life insurance, even though her budget was tight and her mom, Coleen, originally advised against it. That ended up being the most responsible decision she could have made for her son, Nathan, and his future.
Tim Meredith took a career leap changing from being a pastor to opening up an IT business. Not long after starting his new business, Tim had an iliac aneurysm, which caused him to suffer two strokes. He credits disability and long-term care insurance with helping save his family and his business.
