April 16 - 22 Is Celebrate Survivors Week

FRAZER, Pa., April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the advances made in survival rates for patients of critical illness, Stonebridge Life Insurance Company has declared April 16 - 22 to be Celebrate Survivors Week (CSW). The company will award a total of $100,000 in $10,000 grants to ten survivors of cancer, heart attack, stroke or paralysis, whose stories are submitted on the company's website, http://www.plan2cover.com/ , through the end of May.

Survival rates for stage one breast cancer have increased to 98 percent(i), and 90 percent for stage one colorectal cancer(ii). Yet, while the survival rates for critical illness make significant gains, the financial impact associated with extended illness continues to be a potentially serious burden. According to a Harvard Study, nearly half of all personal bankruptcies in the U.S. are due to serious illness -- even though 75 percent of these people had health insurance(iii).

An AEGON company, Stonebridge Life is teaming with breast cancer survivor, Peggy Fleming(iv) to heighten awareness of the financial challenges faced by critical illness survivors as they confront the battle of their lives.

"The physical and emotional fight for survival is the obvious part of any critical illness," explained Fleming. "But the financial impact on the patient and the patient's family can be equally overwhelming. Life gets put on hold during extended treatment and recuperation, yet day-to-day obligations, such as the mortgage, car payments, and your child's school tuition continue to mount."

"I encourage friends and family members to help tell the stories of the courageous achievements of loved-ones who have overcome their health battles along with the financial struggles they have met," added Fleming. "In addition to providing inspiration to others, their story could earn them $10,000 as part of Celebrate Survivors Week."

Critical Illness Insurance developed by Stonebridge Life is designed to help cover the financial costs associated with everyday living. By providing a one-time payment of up to $100,000 to policy holders who suffer a heart attack, cancer, stroke or paralysis, Critical Illness Insurance (CII) can be used to supplement traditional medical insurance, or be applied to the mortgage, child care or any other costs of living. Already well-established in several international markets, CII is now finding acceptance as a necessary addition to a full-coverage insurance portfolio in the United States. A Return of Premium option is also available to those policy holders who sign up before the age of 50 that provides a return of all premiums paid if no critical illness claim has been made by age 65.

To nominate survivors in the Celebrate Survivors search, friends and family are encouraged to submit their stories at http://www.plan2cover.com/ . The deadline for entries is May 31, 2007.

Information on Critical Illness Insurance and Stonebridge Life is also available at http://www.plan2cover.com/ .

About Stonebridge Life

Stonebridge Life Insurance Company is an AEGON company. AEGON is a global life insurance and pension company. In addition to Critical Illness Insurance, Stonebridge Life offers life and supplemental insurance products directly to consumers via mail, phone, and the Internet. We strive to provide the highest level of customer and claims services and have been serving our customers for over three decades. As of June 21, 2006, Stonebridge Life is rated "A+" (Superior, 2nd of 16) by A.M. Best Company, a respected independent analyst of the insurance industry.

   (i)   American Cancer Society,  "Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2005 -
         2006."  Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc.

   (ii)  American Cancer Society, "Cancer Facts and Figures 2007."  Atlanta:
         American Cancer Society, Inc.

   (iii) Harvard Study, "Illness and Injury as Contributors to Bankruptcy,"
         February 2, 2005

   (iv)  Compensated spokesperson