Freda’s Story: An Unexpected Path

When Freda purchased AF™ Disability Income Insurance from American Fidelity, it was purely precautionary. Young and healthy, she didn’t expect to become disabled.

But years later, Freda came face-to-face with the unexpected.

A New Path

It started with double pneumonia, followed by periods of blacking out and trouble walking. Doctors thought Freda may have experienced a stroke, but soon discovered something else.

“I was diagnosed with a chronic brain disease and a chronic spinal disease,” Freda said. “I had to have brain surgery, and I was in the hospital for a month.”

A picture of Freda

Unexpected Reality

Following that surgery, Freda never fully recovered. 

No longer able to work, she was unsure how she would provide for her two daughters. “I didn’t know what was going to happen, because I didn’t have any income,” she said.

“I never would have imagined having to retire at 44."

Thankfully, Freda still had her disability insurance. "I held on to that policy all those years, never knowing there would come a day I would have to use it,” she said.

Words of Advice

Freda wants to ensure others know the importance of financial protection—especially her fellow educators.

“As a teacher, you think you have the sick days. But, you never realize something chronic can change your life,” she said. “All those sick days can go down the drain if you can’t go back to work. And, you need that income.”

When life takes an unexpected turn, American Fidelity can help with disability insurance.