That is when I had the privilege of interviewing Kristie Tunick, a 32 year old woman who suffers from an extremely rare, serious and disabling neuromuscular disease called Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), as well as Myasthenia Gravis and Gastroparesis.

This week I will be focusing on Kristie’s story. Today I will share some details of her painful path to where she is today. The articles that follow will focus on how people can prepare themselves financially for life’s unexpected events.

After reading her story, (http://www.carepages.com/carepages/KristieTunick/patient, you have to register, but it is easy and free), I was shocked at the way our medical system had let her down. Since January 2006, Kristie has had to deal with multiple surgeries, round the clock prescriptions, misdiagnosis, insurance red tape, and doctors with their hands tied. She stops breathing several times an hour and she chokes on food when she eats. Through it all she has kept her head up and keeps forging ahead knowing she can help others to be financially prepared for the future.

Even with health insurance, she has been unable to pay for the care she needs. Looking back there are a few financial safety nets that can be built:

• Investing in Disability Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Create a savings account for catastrophic events
• The importance of your FICO score…what it can do for you

Kristie wants to make sure people are prepared for the unexpected, but she also wants you to learn some life lessons that she has had to learn the hard way. “Don’t worry about what you look like or what you have, if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” Kristie shared. She wants everyone to live in the moment and enjoy life to its fullest. You never know when it can all be taken away.

Kristie is now in a position where she needs your help.

Here are some of the things she needs your financial support for:

• A Neurologist that has the knowledge and experience to deal with her rare condition
• A medivac flight or RV for transport
• An evaluation by the new specialist
• Ongoing treatments the specialist recommends

If you feel like you can help with any of this, please contact:

Brian Mendenhall
(702) 506-1943
bsixstring@yahoo.com