In her mid-thirties, Kristen felt like she was on top of her game. She was a successful dentist, in great health, and had an active social life. She enjoyed running and spending time with her family and friends. However, she did feel one thing was missing from her life, and that was children. Kristen decided it was time to start a family, and soon began undergoing IVF treatments to improve her chances of pregnancy.

Unfortunately, Kristen did not become pregnant after the treatments. Instead, as a result of the IVF treatments, she developed a rare condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). In Kristen's case, OHSS led to a blood clot that paralyzed her left side. Kristen was confined to a wheelchair for months. She was unable to work and couldn't drive. After months in rehabilitation, Kristen has regained limited use of her left side, including her hand. She is hoping to eventually return to dentistry.

Kristen's ongoing rehabilitation led to increased medical bills and financial stress. She is thankful that she has friends and family that have helped her cope. "I was in perfect health and had my life planned out one day, and the next I was partially paralyzed and my life turned upside down," she says. "It just goes to show that disability can happen to anyone, at any time. While I was never truly prepared for this to happen, it helps that I have had people along the way to support me. From experience, I know that it will help you to take the time to be prepared financially in the event that the unexpected happens."

Plan ahead to help protect yourself in the event of an illness.

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.