I found out I had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, when I was 17. The doctors told me I probably wouldn’t make it past 20. I had no insurance and no medical plan, so my family had to pay a lot of money for my medical fees. My illness meant my parents also had to give me extra care, which stopped them from focusing on their jobs fully.
So one day when I was going through chemotherapy I resolved in my heart that, I need to educate people on the importance of insurance with whatever time I have left, and to make things better for my family. I had firsthand experience on how difficult it can be not having insurance coverage when someone falls ill so I was determined to start educating people about the importance of it. That’s how I decided to join AIA as a Life Planner in 2003.
It’s been over 10 years since I discovered I had lupus, since I became an AIA Life Planner.
And because my job offers me the flexibility to manage my own time, I am able to be actively involved with Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM). PSLEM is a non-profit support group dedicated to helping people with the disease, a cause close to my heart – they were a great help to me during my recovery process. I never thought I’d do so well, let alone make it past my 21st birthday, but here I am….now I have my own business, managing 30 Life Planners everyday. I really enjoy helping people reach their goals in life, just as I have – and have fun together getting there.
I hope I can set an example for others – no matter what you may be facing. Like what I always tell my team, it’s never too late or impossible to pursue your dreams and make them come true.
