In early March, the family was faced with an emergency hospitalization after the mother was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, a life threatening condition for both mother and baby. Medical providers advised that she would be required to remain hospitalized until the baby could be delivered safely at approximately 34 weeks gestation. While hospitalized and navigating a highrisk pregnancy, the family followed all known procedures to apply for medical and maternity leave benefits through the employer.

The family’s short term disability claim was approved, and no additional steps or requirements were communicated by either the employer or the disability insurer at that time. The family reasonably relied on this approval and had no indication that further action was required.

Approximately one week after hospital admission, the mother underwent an emergency cesarean section. The newborn was immediately transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s Minnesota in St. Paul, where the baby remains hospitalized to this day. The family continues to manage the mother’s physical recovery from surgery while coping with the ongoing medical crisis involving their newborn.

At the beginning of April, the family discovered that no disability payments had been issued. Upon contacting the employer and disability insurer, the family was informed for the first time that a required and critical step had never been communicated—that the family was first required to apply for Minnesota Paid Leave benefits before any employer or disability payments could be issued.

As a direct result of this lack of communication, the family has been left without any income during a medical emergency, despite taking timely and appropriate action based on the information provided. Essential household expenses and medical related bills are now going unpaid, creating a significant and immediate financial hardship.

Although the family has now applied for Minnesota Paid Leave benefits, there is an extended application review period, during which the family will continue to receive no income. The family has repeatedly contacted the employer and disability insurer to request interim solutions or payment advances, but none are available.

During this incredibly difficult period, the family has been left with no choice but to explore assistance through Help Me Bounce as a temporary source of support. Help Me Bounce would help ease the immediate strain of essential daily expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and medicalrelated costs, allowing the family to focus on healing and on being present for their newborn, who remains in the NICU. Any support received would provide muchneeded relief and stability during a time marked by medical uncertainty, emotional stress, and financial insecurity. The family is deeply grateful for any community assistance.