When Amanda came home to find her partner Jake clutching his chest in pain, she rushed him to the hospital, where he collapsed outside the emergency room. Doctors diagnosed an aortic aneurysm: Jake’s aortic valve had burst, and he needed immediate surgery. There was a 50 percent chance he would not survive.
After a restless night in the hospital, Amanda was on hand when Jake woke up. And thanks to a supportive workplace, she was able to use her sick leave to stay with him while he made a full recovery – including 12 weeks of physical therapy and medical appointments.