Energetic and lively, Stephani Victor is an all-American girl. Her vivacious spirit and insatiable desire to learn landed her at the highly competitive film school at the University of Southern California, where, in 1995, she graduated with honors.

Well on her way to a successful career in film, Stephani was the victim of a devastating accident. She was hit by an out of control car that crushed her into a parked car while standing in the driveway. In an emergency effort to save her life, doctors amputated both of her legs. At 26 years old, Stephani was left disabled with her whole life ahead of her.

Three years and 11 surgeries later, Stephani found herself in financial turmoil. She was not able to return to her previous employment and her small savings were very limited. "My medical bills (even with full coverage health insurance) were well over $250,000.00, this was a staggering debt to owe for someone who just graduated from college. I had never even heard of disability insurance. My dear friends and the community rallied their support and formed the fundraiser "Stand Up for Steph" at the Hermosa Beach Comedy and Magic Club. With their generous contributions and support I was able to pay a good portion of my medical bills. I don't know how I would have done it without them. Having disability insurance would have alleviated the financial burden."

But her confidence was not broken. She was determined to make the most of her life, with or without a disability. In 1999, Stephani tried skiing for the first time with a mono-ski since the accident. A natural born competitor, in 2000, Stephani won her first U.S. National Title in Slalom. The next season she won the overall Canadian title. In 2002, Stephani secured her spot on the 2002 Paralympics team by placing top 3 in eight of 11 World Cup races. Currently Stephani is the reigning World Champion, Paralympic Champion and Overall World Cup Champion.

Her determination to continue living life to the fullest as she had before her accident reinvigorated her passion for film. Stephani began a documentary about her recovery called, "The Lengths I Will Go" which is scheduled to release 2008.

Thanks to her many successes in skiing, film and motivational speaking, Stephani now finds herself in a financially stable position. "I'm really lucky," Stephani said, "and I know that not everyone who finds themselves with a life-changing injury is as fortunate as I have been. I only hope my story inspires others to start thinking about what their financial responsibilities would look like if they were to become disabled."

To see a sneak preview of Stephani's documentary, go to www.stephanivictor.com.

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