In 2010, Wendy was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an incurable and debilitating condition that changed her life overnight. At the time of her diagnosis, Wendy, then 47, was loving life, enjoying peak career success working for a pharmaceutical company, and a newfound romance with David, a lovely man she had met six months earlier.
At first, Wendy was unable to comprehend the reality of what lay ahead. Just six weeks after her diagnosis, crippling pain meant Wendy could no longer perform her normal duties at work. When it became clear she would have to leave the job she prided herself on being good at and which she loved, the mum of three was devastated.
Just six months before her diagnosis, Wendy had met with a financial adviser who suggested she take out income protection. Fortunately, Wendy listened and now, looking back, says it was one of the best decisions she had ever made. She often thinks about what her life would have been like had she not had the financial support income protection provided.
Rather than worrying about how she was going to pay her share of a new mortgage and meet her medical expenses, Wendy could focus on her treatment, and adjusting to a new life that was never part of the plan.
It took three years to get her condition to a manageable level and David stood by Wendy’s side and they married, even though they hadn’t been together long, creating in the process a blended family that makes them the proud grandparents of 10.
These days, Wendy works part-time as a first aid teacher and keeps her RA symptoms under control through a strict vegan diet and plenty of exercise, especially swimming and cycling. Wendy’s story is an inspiring tale of indefatigable resilience in the face of adversity. As David says, “She gets up, she dresses up, she turns up – and she never gives up.” Adds Wendy, “Life these days is definitely challenging managing an incurable disease. I have my good days and bad days, and still a few sad days too. My health has its ups and downs but my focus now is on staying well as best I can.”
Hope for the best but plan for the worst
It may be important to know which options could be available to try and help protect you and your family’s future, in the event of any unforeseen sickness or injury. Speaking to us about your insurance cover could provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Disclaimer
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information and any advice in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. This article may contain material provided directly by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and we recommend you seek detailed and specific advice from a suitably qualified adviser before acting on any information or advice in this publication. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. You should consult a registered tax agent for specific tax advice on your circumstances.
