MyWhy: Kelly S.

Our “MyWhy” series highlights stories from our PPL employees, sharing the personal motivations behind their commitment to helping others access in-home care through self-direction. Hear directly from the individuals who bring our mission to life, and be sure to check back regularly as new stories are released.

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Kelly knows what it means to care for someone you love during one of the hardest times of their life. She has watched both her mother and daughter battle cancer. Years later, she faced another devastating chapter when her husband suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2024.

Her husband had survived a brain hemorrhage once before in 2004. At the time, doctors told the family that they would likely not be able to save him if it happened again. Twenty years later, it did.

Kelly had just started a new position at PPL when her husband became critically ill. For months, she traveled back and forth to Miami to be with him in the ICU. He passed away on December 2, 2024.

Through each of these experiences, Kelly saw both the emotional and financial realities of caregiving firsthand.

When Kelly thinks back on caring for her family, the positivity of those around her stands out.

Despite everything they were going through, she rarely heard her loved ones complain. Their attitudes helped Kelly though some of the hardest moments of her life.

She also remembers the people who showed up.

Kelly’s mother had worked for Capital One for more than 40 years, and her coworkers rallied around her. They called, checked in, sent meals, and sat with her at the hospital. They even took detailed notes during visits so the next person could stay informed.

When Kelly’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 16, support looked a little different. Movies, arts and crafts, and visits from emotional support dogs helped bring some comfort during long days at the hospital. Each dog arrived with a card sharing a little about the animal. Kelly kept all 17 cards.

Those moments stayed with her because they showed how much a simple act of care can mean when a family is struggling.

Self-directed care wasn’t an option for Kelly’s family at the time. Looking back, she believes having that type of financial support could have changed her experience as a caregiver.

Although she was able to take FMLA, financial realities meant she eventually had to return to work. Traveling to Miami, paying for lodging, and covering everyday expenses added another layer of stress. Kelly even created a GoFundMe to help cover the cost for her and her daughter to travel to Miami to be with her husband.

She remains forever grateful for the friends and family who helped them.

The experience also shaped how Kelly thinks about caregiving today. Families should be able to focus on caring for the person they love and making the most of their time together, rather than worrying about how they will pay their bills.

That perspective is at the heart of Kelly’s work at PPL.

Kelly’s history with PPL goes back to 2011, when she started as a temporary employee on the timesheet team. More than 15 years later, now as an Escalation Specialist, knowing she makes a difference is what keeps her here.

Kelly sees how PPL helps people receive the care they need in their own homes while also helping ensure caregivers are paid for the important work they do. When she speaks with the families PPL supports, she brings more than professional experience to those conversations. She brings empathy shaped by her own life.

She understands what it is like to worry about someone you love. She understands what it is like to balance caregiving with work, travel, and finances. And she understands how meaningful it can be to simply feel supported.

Everything Kelly has experienced has shaped the way she supports the families PPL serves today. She knows how much compassion can matter during life’s hardest moments, which is why she tried to live and work by one simple principle: “Always lead with kindness.”

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Continue reading: More MyWhy stories from PPL employees