At age 48, it appeared the best years of David's life were still ahead. Between playing volleyball, participating on the local ski patrol, spending time with his family and traveling for business, David was leading an active, exciting life. In early spring 2005, everything came to a halt - David suffered a stroke changing his life forever.

After spending three days skiing with his son, David had a series of unbearable headaches. but doctor's were not concerned and he was sent home from the emergency room. After he arrived home, his headaches worsened and his wife called 911. For three days David laid unconscious, suffering seizures. The doctors induced a coma to perform David's MRI. He spent the following eight weeks in the medical center, going through grueling rehabilitation - both physical and mental.

Although in a wheelchair, David decided to return to work part-time, hoping that he would have the ability to resume his career as an IT consultant. While physically he made progress by switching from the wheelchair to a cane, David felt overwhelmed at work. "I wasn't able to keep up with my colleagues and resume traveling - even part-time, so I permanently retired in November 2006," he said.

Financially, the stroke greatly impacted his family. According to David, "before the stroke, I was the provider. Now, it's my wife. Thank goodness we were prepared." Although financial matters now are more challenging, David's family remains financially sound. He attributes their situation to their savings plan and preparedness in the event he or his wife became disabled. David and his wife used their savings as well as funds they had put away in their 401k programs. In addition, David had previously purchased a disability insurance plan through his employer, which also financially helped the family after his stroke.

Looking back, David remembers that, "There was no warning. I was healthy - went to the gym, skied often, used a treadmill at home. I had no other symptoms. It just happened. And just like that, disability can strike anyone. One day, you're fine, and the next day you're not."

Plan ahead to help protect yourself in the event of an accident or injury.

To protect the privacy of those impacted by a disability, only first names are used and the photo is not of the actual individual profiled.