Joanne’s Story: A Trusted Partner
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.
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