Mandatory for Business Owners & Self-Employed
Normally, I would not share something as personal as this with you, yet I feel compelled to alert you of its importance.
In April 2009, I decided to purchase critical-illness insurance. I knew that if something serious happened to me, I wanted to be protected. My decision was based on being single, the owner of a business and the parent of an adult child. For some time, I had been batting around the idea of getting critical illness and/or long-term disability insurance. At the time, I was paying off a few debts and decided to start by getting critical-illness insurance.
On Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, I was taken to emergency and fast-tracked through. The left side of my body was struggling. My left foot was dragging, my hand could barely hold a pen and my lip drooped in such a way that I only had a half-baked smile. On Monday, Sept. 20, while my sister and I were hanging out in my hospital room, the doctors came to report my diagnosis. We were shocked. How was it possible that I was fine a few weeks earlier and now, suddenly, I have multiple sclerosis?
Truthfully, it’s taken me six months to not be in denial about this diagnosis and face reality. In fact, my business was having the best fiscal year in its history. Yet, once the doctors left my bedside and it was time for my sister to head back to my place for the night, I asked her for one favour: “Can you bring my critical-illness insurance policy when you come visit me tomorrow?”
My sister returned the next day with my blue hard-covered policy manual in hand. We quickly discovered MS was covered based on specific requirements. I am extremely lucky as I do not have a progressive case of MS and have had an amazing recovery. The healing process is that; a process. It’s taking its sweet time to gain back one’s full energy. I have been told it will take more than a year to return to my normal self. I believe this to be true based on my journey so far. My commitment to healing and getting back to what I love to do – which is consulting, speaking and training full-time – is a priority.
Why am I sharing this with you? Because I care enough to disclose something very personal so you can gain insight and avoid what could be a tragic regret. I want to make sure you have the opportunity to not get blind-sided by the possibility of getting really sick or being told you have a critical illness, and then having to live with the fact that you have no insurance to protect you. I would never in a million years have expected to be diagnosed with MS.
If you have the cash flow to get both critical-illness insurance and long-term disability, then I highly recommend it. Once the initial chunk of money runs out from your critical illness claim, if you are unable to work, you have the ongoing support of long-term disability.
On Monday, April 18, 2011, I received a large sum of money from Canada Life by UPS. This money gives me the freedom to work as little or as much as I choose until I fully recover. I am grateful for this gift.
On April 21, 2011, I had a follow-up MRI (brain scan) which indicated that my situation had showed no significant additional issues. I am grateful for this too. I have chosen to take a natural path to healing my condition and look forward to a healthy future with the knowledge that this disease is unpredictable.
In order to kick things off once I received my claim, I took the month of May off to regain my dragging energy. This made a significant difference to my health. I have now eased back into my client work with excitement, yet “ease” is the optimum word, as I have started to add my existing clients back into the mix, at a clip of one per week.
Life is precious. If you love your work as I do, it can be a real shock to your identity and lifestyle to receive the type of information I did, not to mention the health issues and limitations that get in the way of every aspect of your life. It’s a very humbling experience, yet I have learned so much about myself and life in this process. I suspect I will continue to. Life is too precious to be ignored.
Jen,
You shared your story with us when you were up in Smithers. I am happy to hear you’re getting your engery back and your scan is as positive as anyone could hope for. All the best to you Jen and thank you for your positive outlook to life.
regards
Di-Anne,
It’s great to hear from you. You inspired me to write this piece and share it with people. Thank you for that. Your passion for helping others really shines through.
All the best,
Jen
Thank you for sharing your story about this Jen, you are a strong woman and an inspiration.
I hope people who haven’t thought ahead about the possibility of illness for themselves will do so now.
Me too! Thanks for your comment Kim. Those who speak out and share are the ones to bring change to the world. Thanks for contributing to this dialogue.
Jen
Jen, thank you so much for sharing this. We all tend to think it will never happen to us. I’m very sorry that this has happened to you as I find you a very giving and energetic person. I applaud you for finding all the positive from this and becoming all the better for it. I wish you continued recovery and continued good health for you and your business! Kindest regards Julie
Julie,
Thanks for your post. It only takes one second for something to change in our lives and we never know for sure when these seconds will happen. So, it’s always good to have a few backup plans:) Thanks for your well wishes. I really appreciate it.
Jen
May you continue to “feel better”!
Thanks Tucker,
I will. I hope anyone that has a life challenge right now whether it be health or otherwise, take steps toward a game plan for the future. As a coach, I’m sure you help people deal with their fears and assist them with determining suitable plans of action.
Jen
Must be kismet. My insurance agent has been hounding me (she loves me) to purchase critical illness and long term disability. Will be calling in the next few days.
Thanks for the reminder. And stay brave Jen.
Kim
Hi Kim,
Yes, it’s good to get going on this stuff before this stuff get’s going. You have a successful business and it’s important to make sure you can continue to do what you do. If for some reason you can, then you know you have a plan. Thanks for sharing.
Jen
Hi Jen,
Thanks for sharing your personal journey. Indeed cause for reflection and action. But most of all warmest thoughts and fervent prayers for your continued healing and restoration!
Suzanne
Suzanne,
You are a true inspiration -a magnificant powerhouse. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Jen
Thank you for sharing, this is a very important topic along with wills that people tend to not discuss.
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
Hi Janice,
Good point. Wills are often left until it’s too late. Thanks for addressing this issue.
All the best,
Jen
Jen, what a heart-rending story, and yet at the same time a very positive one! And as one who considers you a friend who has known you for a number of years I do wish you all the very best in your recovery – which I know will be excellent!!
All the best Jen and thanks for the great advice…
Neil
Thanks Neil,
You are a wonderful leader and cheer leader. Congrats on your new role at MacDonald Realty.
Please feel free to spread this message to others.
Jen
Jen,
Thank you so much for taking a risk and sharing your story with us. I took away valuable insights from your post and will seriously look into your suggestions.
On a personal note, I’m sending you positive vibes and will continue to do so each and every time your “One Minute Marketing Tip” comes through.
All the best in the immediate future!
Priscilla
Priscilla,
You are a true beam of shining light. Thanks for your well wishes. I encourage you and others to share this tip with as many people as possible. It is important to hit this message home.
Jen
That’s a real eye-opener. I’m relieved to hear you are getting better. Thank you for the “wake-up call”.
Hi Kristina,
It’s been a very long time since we have connected. Thanks so much for your post. Yes this is a wake up call and I hope everyone who reads this tip, takes an action towards protecting themselves and the ones they love. Life is much shorter than we think and way more precious.
All the best to you and your family.
Jen
Ms. DeTracey,
You certainly do not have to point out the importance of a sound risk management plan to me. I have chosen to devote my life to assisting as many people that I can to ensure that they know about the peace of mind one achieves knowing that if a sickness, illness, or death takes you “offside” you have the resources to put your life together or ensure that others whom you love are not burdened with your passing.
Congratulations on your foresight with CI and I wish you a speedy and full recovery!
Cliff,
Good for you for educating others and provide options for people to deal with risk management. It often takes a scare from someone we love or respect to take action. This is why disclosed my personal situation. Keep on truckin’.
Jen
Jen,
Wow, thank you for sharing this story and I am so glad you are on the road to recovery. I hope you are feeling fantastic soon and I know that your spirit never diminished even if your physical energy was setback. You’ve got lots of strength and how fortunate that your timing was so impeccable with your insurance purchases. I have had CI for years and think it’s actually more important (and likely) than life insurance.
All the best!
Marlene
Marlene,
You raise a great point. Critical Illness insurance is certainly as important or more than life insurance. I guess it depends who will get left behind if you don’t have life insurance. I see CI is more about support for me and life insurance as more about the support for my love ones.
The Dalai Lama speaks about moving forward in our lives, basicaily achieving our goals, takes longer than expected most of the time. I see recovery like this. It often takes longer when we want or expect, yet there is always hope and the journey can be a very big gift even on the hard days.
Thanks for your comments.
Jen
HI JEN
So sorry to here about your health issue. It is a reminder as to how precious & fragile we all are!
I believe & will pray for you! My youngest daughter is in med school at UBC & has commented on the extreme complexity of our bodies & systems & because of this complexity she truly believes there is no way we could have just evolved from under a rock??
Remember attitude is altitude , stay up & be positive !!
Once again I’m truly sorry for your health issue!
A fan & distant friend !
MARK TARRAS
Remarkable Uniform Ltd
Mark,
Way to go for your daughter desire to help others and share her knowledge with you in the process.
I agree with you 100% attitude is altitude. Depending on the day:) I believe that this is my path and will use this life experience to continue to help others both through my business and personally.
Thanks for your comments.
Jen
I was diagnosed with having MS in 1985 when I had a serious brain infection. I had long term disability insurance, but took myself off it to go back to work as an Occupational Therapist. After 5 years of trying to work, I found that I was having problems. It is only now 25 years later after that a brain scan still diagnoses me as having MS, except I don’t feel any different from when I had the brain infection. The next MRI scan will show if it is exactly the same as before that I have had a brain insult.
Then I will be able to get back on my long term disability pension (when I can find the policy number) and have then have it backdated to 1989!
So you are correct Jen, it is well worth having – even if you think you are totally fit and healthy like myself. I have never been sick and the infection came absolutely out of the blue!
Gail,
Sounds like you have had an interesting Journey. I’m glad you recognize when too much is too much.
Life balance changes forms dramatically when a critical illness or set back takes place. Thanks for sharing your story too.
Jen
Hi Jen, I’m sorry to hear this news. I can only imagine what is was like to learn you have MS. I’m glad you have the right insurance. I have had CI and Disability insurance for about 5 years now. I hope I never have to use it but it’s nice to know I’m covered (any my family too) just in case. Stay strong and I look forward to seeing you in a couple weeks. Perhaps I can buy you lunch?
Cheers,
Dave
Dave,
That’s great that you have coverage for yourself and your family. I have been told that children have benefited from having critical illness insurance too.
Smart of you to think ahead. See you in a few weeks.
Jen
Jen
Thank you for sharing such a personal obstacle in your life. You have not only inspired myself, but many others over the years and months we have known you. This is just an obstacle in your path and only you can over come it. You are not alone and thought of more that you know. Best to you.
Charyl,
Thanks for your post. I have discovered that all those in my life have some sort of obstacle or another. Rarely is one worst than anothers. Just frustrating at times. I think the biggest step to move forward is to get past the dential phase. This took me over five months. Once we can do that then we can look at the obstacle and really deal with it more proactively. I had to give up many things in order to heal, running and hiking to name a few. Fortunately, I have replaced them with cycling. This is where all of us can turn obstacles into opportunities for new experiences that are equally as satisfy.
All the best,
Jen
Jen, all the best to you. I was shocked and horrified to hear of your health problems. My husband is a financial advisor and he encourages all his clients to have CI and LTD. Luckily, he also made our children purchase CI, because our 34 year old daughter was diagnosed this year with a very rare benign brain tumour and when we helped her to make a claim on her CI, she too received a large sum. We don’t know what the future will hold for her but at least she has the ability to have one as when she became ill her husband divorced her and she was forced to claim bankruptcy because of his business debts. Now she is starting up a small business which will give her an income while allowing her to only work 20 hours a week and have time for rest and rejuvenation. I hope she will do as well with her new business as you have done with yours. I will add you to my prayer list and think of you often. There are many physicians working on a cure for MS and there are much better treatments for it now than years ago. You are a winner and I know you will have a good life in spite of your health challenges!
Bonnie,
Thanks for sharing such a personal story about your daughter and her heroic steps towards a new life. You must be so proud of her. The stories really help remind us of how important it is in life to take action before life gets out of control so we have the support we need financial, mental, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
All the best,
Jen
Hi Jen.
Thank you for sharing your personal story with us so that we can put a real life person to a very real situation that can happen to anyone of us at any time. You took the responsibility to improve all of our lives by sharing yourself in such an intimate manner. For that gift, we are very appreciative. Thank you for educating me with this and all your posts.
Opreet
Opreet,
Thanks for your post. I believe the more we are able to share with others from place of service and honesty, the better place this world becomes.
I’m glad you enjoy the tips.
All the best,
Jen
Jen, Thanks for sharing your story so openly and honestly; you are an inspiration!
Love,
Kathy C.
Kathy,
It sounds like we are both sharing are what is real to us right now with our network.
Thanks for your kind words.
Jen
Hi Jen, thank for sharing your amazing story. I’m glad you had the insurance backing and can get the recovery you need. Your fan’s will sill be there! All the very best!
Thanks Seana for your post. It’s true that when we build long term relationships with our fans, they are there for us too! I am super grateful for this.
Keep on rockin’ Seana,
Jen
Jen, I love your strength, your wisdom and your courage. By sharing your story you will save many people the stress of a life without options. Being blindsided comes in so many forms that you can not know what it will look like. Having the personal resources of insurance protection and savings make all the difference in how you can move on with life. Congratulations for making the decision to take care of yourself with that policy!
I’m just one of your many admirers and I wish you all the best on your new life path.
Thanks Pat for your comments and support. As a financial educator and one of the “meet the expert” contributors to my website, you truly understand the value of my message. Welcome back from your travels.
Jen
Jen: I am so shocked to hear you have been sick. I am so glad that you are on the road to recovery. Glad you were insured, thanks for sharing, our prayers will be for your continued rocovery. Can’t imagine how you must feel to have to slow down. All will be well, with all our prayers.
Marie
Marie, so was I when the doctor told me:) Slowing down is a gift. It’s very strange yet there are so many benefits. I get to experience the world differently.
I hope all is well with you. Thanks for your prayers.
Jen
Jen, thank you for sharing. It is a wake up call for me and one I will take action to address. Just finished doing my will. I wish you all good things in your journey of recovery! My prayers will be with you.
Lorna
Thanks Lorna for touching base. I hope all is going well with your business. It was nice to meet you at the first ever conference for the Legal Nurses in BC.
Hi Jen,
Thanks so much for sharing your story. Everyday is a gift, live for the moment, embrace love and life! Heartfelt Gratitude, from my heart to yours…
Arelene
Hi Arelene,
It’s great to hear from you. You are right, every day is a gift. Even on the hardest of days, it’s helpful to remember this.
All the best,
Jen
Thank you for sharing Jen. I think I’m like most people and I rationalize away the need for something like critical illness insurance. But now I know how important it is to get it.
take good care Jen,
Dave
wow Jen… wuz out of town and just learned of this… holy cow… thanks for sharing… real important stuff and glad to hear you are doing better…. blessings with mucho light to you friend… weaver x (((o)))
Thanks Carol – you are a true inspiration. Let’s send the light to all:) Jen
Hi Jen,
I don’t know if you remember me – we met in a running class many years ago (adult child! wow!). I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and wish you well. I know too many people who are living with MS, but I also know that attitude helps a lot, and you seem to have the right one! Continuing to enjoy your posts. Take good, good care.
Surya
Hi Surya,
It’s been a long time and I definitely remember you. I kept up running until my body said “no way”. Now it’s cycling that has become my passion.
Thanks for your imput. I hear many people with MS are waiting for a cure. I would rather take a proactive approach to the disease.
I hope all is well with you.
Jen