Skip to main content
  • Solutions for Employers

    Enhance your benefits program with a custom strategy that not only engages your employees and helps retain your talent—but also lightens the load on HR.

    How We Help
    • Strategic Partner
    • Professional Enrollment
    • Benefits Education
    • Total Benefits Solution
    • Benefits and Services
    Who We Serve
    • Education
    • Public Sector
    • Automotive
    • Manufacturing
    • Healthcare
  • Resource Library

    Explore our catalog of blog articles, educational videos, customer stories, and more.

    View All Resources

    Resource Types
    • Blog Articles
    • Videos
    • Customer Stories
    • Tools
    • Help Center
    • All Resources

    An Employer's Guide to a Successful Enrollment

    Download the free how-to guide to get your enrollment strategy on the right path. 

    Download Now
  • Help Center
  • Login
  • Strategy
  • Reimbursement Accounts
  • Supplemental Benefits
  • Customer Stories
  • Compliance
American Fidelity Logo

Joanne’s Story: A Trusted Partner

February 26, 2019

4 minute read

Category: Customer Stories

Joanne and her family

Throughout her 30-year career with the Kentucky Public School System, Joanne formed a partnership with American Fidelity she’d never expected.

 

The First Enrollment

It all began when Joanne met Lesa Kay, an American Fidelity account manager, at her annual benefits enrollment. Joanne shared that she and her husband were ready to start a family, and Lesa Kay helped her understand how the available benefits may fit her life’s upcoming changes.

As a result, Joanne began her journey as an American Fidelity customer.

“Over the years, I have come to trust the representatives from American Fidelity. I learned that if I would take the time to talk with them about where my life was headed, they would suggest plans that may help with that path,” Joanne said.

 

A Life-Changing Decision

At a benefits enrollment a few years later, Joanne decided to discuss her family’s history of cancer—specifically, her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis.

“It was an emotional conversation,” Joanne recalled, “but Lesa Kay took the time to listen and talked with me about picking up a cancer policy.”

After reading through the information at home, Joanne purchased a Limited Benefit Cancer Insurance policy with the hope of never having to use it. But just two years later—a week before Christmas—Joanne was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a very rare form of cancer.

“I was stunned. My world was going to be turned upside down,” Joanne said. “As a single mother, my fears centered around my children, the longevity and quality of life I could possibly be facing, and the costs I could potentially incur over and above what would be covered by my medical insurance.”

 

A Helping Hand

Still in shock from the unexpected diagnosis, Joanne remembered her cancer policy and emailed Lesa Kay for help. Despite it being a holiday week, she called back right away.

“When I heard her voice, I started crying,” Joanne said. “I couldn’t believe she would take time out of her vacation to call me and help me through the process.

“That is what I have learned the most about American Fidelity representatives over the course of my 30 years in education—they care.”

 

The Road to Recovery

While she recovered from her unexpected diagnosis, the policies Joanne had purchased helped her deal with mounting medical bills. “What I owed out-of-pocket was covered comfortably with the money I had received from the disability and cancer insurance,” she said. “I will forever be grateful to Lesa Kay for her compassion, insight, honesty, and guidance.”

Now, a decade later, Joanne is a cancer survivor who is passionate about helping others better prepare for the unexpected.

“I encourage all school employees to take time to walk in, sit down, and share where their path in life is going,” she said. “While I know everyone is aware of where every penny is going, some of these bigger picture items are important to take time to discuss.”

American Fidelity is proud to be a part of Joanne’s journey. And if your life takes an unexpected turn, we want to be there for you, too.

Learn More About Cancer Insurance 

 

This blog is up to date as of April 2021 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events.

  • Tags:
  • Testimonials
  • Cancer

Share:

Read More Testimonials

Making a Connection in Michigan with Kendra Messing

March 04, 2025

3 minute read

Learn why American Fidelity's connection is vital for Kendra Messing, a Michigan school Business Director.

  • Tags:
  • Testimonials

Alex’s Story: A Journey of Support

October 22, 2024

3 minute read

Alex, a Kentucky teacher, found peace of mind and financial support during her battle with breast cancer through her American Fidelity coverage.

  • Tags:
  • Testimonials
  • Cancer

Dave’s Story: Unexpected Turns

September 03, 2024

2 minute read

Discover how cancer insurance provided Dave with the financial support and peace of mind he needed to continue living his life to the fullest.

  • Tags:
  • Testimonials
  • Cancer

Our logo
  • Strategic Partner
  • For Education
  • For the Public Sector
  • For Automotive
  • For Manufacturing
  • For Healthcare
  • Professional Enrollment
  • AFenroll®
  • Benefits Education
  • Total Benefits Solution
  • Culture and Engagement
  • Benefits and Services
  • Resource Library
  • Blog
  • Customer Stories
  • Tools
  • Help Center
  • Forms
  • AFmobile® App

Contact Us

Careers

  • About Us
  • Annual Report
  • Community Giving
  • News Center
  • facebook
  • Youtube
  • linked-in

© 2025 American Fidelity Assurance Company

  • Privacy Notices |
  • Report Fraud |
  • Terms of Service |
  • Licensing |
  • Special Notices |
  • Accessibility |
  • Cameron Enterprises

This product may contain limitations, exclusions, and waiting periods. This product is inappropriate for people who are eligible for Medicaid coverage.

ESB-7220-0421