When my 3-year-old son was diagnosed with a chronic illness, I cut my work hours. My boss said “family comes first,” but the medical bills kept stacking up until I felt like I was drowning. Watching Sammy lose his energy and joy broke me in ways I can’t explain.
Then HR called—not to punish me, but to help. They offered emergency funds, donated PTO from coworkers, and flexible hours. That support kept us afloat. My boss later asked me to help create programs for employees caring for sick children. I said yes, and the work slowly helped me heal.
The project grew into a nonprofit branch, and I was asked to lead it. Messages from other hurting families showed me our work mattered. Meanwhile, Sammy finally stabilized. Life didn’t magically get easy, but hope came back.
When my mom got sick, we reconnected before she passed, giving both of us peace. Soon after, my boss retired and recommended me as her replacement. I accepted, determined to make “family comes first” real for every employee.
Now, whenever a terrified parent needs time or help, I tell them what someone once told me: “We’ve got you.”