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Case Studies

Abigail's story: The Insurance Charities provides support for the wife and child of a Wegeners Granulomotosis victim

When you meet Abigail you might be forgiven for thinking that this attractive, bubbly woman in her mid-twenties with a beautiful young daughter has everything going for her. When you have the chance to hear something of her story you see that this is a long way from the truth.

Abigail joined the Pearl straight from school, initially as a typist. A couple of years later she met her husband to be, Steve, a mad keen sports fan and an ambitious professional. They married in 1994 and were delighted at the birth of their daughter, Yasmin, a year later. Steve's career progressed well despite a short period of time off work due to kidney problems.

AbigailA family holiday in 1996 was cut short when Steve was taken seriously ill with Wegeners Granulomotosis, an auto immune disease affecting the nasal passages, kidneys and lungs. The diagnosis could not have come at a worse time as Steve had been with his then current employer for just a short period of time and his employment could, therefore, be legally terminated due to his inability to continue in his role. He was provided with home dialysis equipment whilst awaiting transplant surgery. Abigail continued to work on a part-time basis whilst looking after her ailing husband and young child.

The couple received little by way of financial support from the DSS and their financial position deteriorated dramatically. Abigail's employer referred her to The Insurance Charities. We were able to offer practical advice on the family's benefit entitlements as well as immediate financial support, given their on-going financial commitments.

Steve and Abigail were determined to try to survive and Steve even secured full time work during a period of remission. Unfortunately, his condition then took a turn for the worse and just a few months later he was unable to walk properly or use his hands - a frightening and distressing state for someone with a young wife and child. Steve died in November 1998.

Family and friends have given practical help and The Insurance Charities have provided much needed financial support to Abigail and Yasmin. Abigail says "I don't know where I would have been without The Insurance Charities. Whenever I needed their help, either financially or in coping with the practical aspects of my situation, they were great. There was no fuss and I now feel far more in control of my life. With their help, I am able to be far better organized and, in the long term, I probably won't need their help".