“The whole idea that someone you dearly love is not well at the time of COVID-19 is really scary.”
This was what Charo Santos-Concio had to say about her pandemic experience thus far. In the past year, she underwent one of her most trying challenges in her life because her husband, Cesar Rafael Concio, Jr. needed constant medical attention due to an existing health concern.
“I went through a roller coaster ride because my husband’s condition required us to make frequent hospital visits,” she recalls. “You really feel the anxiety, the worry, and the fear that you might get infected. However, it also strengthened my resolve to face these fears because my husband needs me.”
Charo further shared that, despite the stresses, it was important to accept the circumstances, remain calm, and keep up with the flow. “Life goes on. We must all learn to adjust to the new normal. We cannot be paralyzed by our fears,” she says. “Kailangan nating harapin ‘yan. Tingnan natin nang mata sa mata. Hindi tayo puwedeng magpatalo.”
The experience also highlighted the importance of securing her and her family’s health. “We must never take health for granted,” Charo reiterates. “We must all live an active life and take very good care of ourselves. It is equally important to look after our mental well-being as part of living healthier.”
And there’s also the importance of protecting one’s finances. Charo recognizes the importance of having a health protection plan to be financially secure should an illness strike. “Importante sa akin ang sense of security. Importante sa akin that whatever happens to me, I will not be a burden to my loved ones,” she says.
This was a lesson learned after the demise of her father, where the proceeds from his insurance policy allowed the family to financially cope after his passing. This experience taught her to be pragmatic and to embrace of the value of security and peace of mind that an insurance policy brings to the family. “Ayaw mong iwanan ang mga mahal mo sa buhay with uncertainty about their future,” Charo shares. “As we work hard for ourselves and our loved ones, we should also put our money to good use by investing it in insurance, health protection, and mutual funds.”
Today, Charo looks forward to living a full life with her loved ones. And while she has retired, she continues to take on interesting projects every now and then. With Sun Life as her partner in health, she is assured that no matter what happens, she and her loved ones are financially protected from life’s unexpected twists and turns. “Having a partner in health can indeed help you lead a brighter life,” she muses.
Just like Charo, you too can secure your future and be financially protected should an illness strike. Know more about Sun Life’s Partner in Health campaign by visiting https://sunlife.co/SLPIH.