"I was the primary caregiver for my partner of 25 years who was battling ALS"

From 2001 to 2005, I was the primary caregiver for my partner of 25 years who was battling ALS in Seattle.

I had informal paid family leave because my employer, a school district, allowed me to use my accumulated sick leave when needed to be the caregiver. Without that support, I would have had to find a care facility to fill the caregiving role, as I needed my job for the two of us to have a home.    

My partner died at home in July 2005 after 4 plus year battle with ALS. At the time, even Bailey Bouchet did not accept ALS patients for care. The regimen for caring for him was too demanding for care facilities.    

Paid family leave allows family members to fulfill their commitment to loved ones who are ill.  

The ill are society's responsibility. Either we provide family members with the tools to care for one another or make government responsible for that care.    

— Cary S, Seattle
(43rd Legislative District)