>> Meet Aubrey Lang, a wife, mother,
and Human Resource Transitions Counselor
in Cornell University's benefit's department.
>> When I was pregnant with my son,
I acquired a large blood clot.
A lot of times these things resolve
and are temporary issues, but for me the damage was permanent
and so it's something that I deal with on a life-long basis.
It's something I've had to grow accustomed to but,
in the vein of things happen for a reason.
I feel is important to share my story and help others
if I'm able to do that.
>> Aubrey wrestled with whether she should disclose her acquired
condition with her employer.
>> It was an adjustment.
And I had never dealt with anything like that before,
so I didn't know -- am I supposed to talk about it?
Can I talk about it?
But, it became clear rather quickly that the same type
of work style that I had prior wasn't going to work for me.
And the concern was will I continue to do what I do?
Reaching out to my supervisor and a few others,
I learned about the Employment Disability Institute.
And, I wanted to better understand the legalities behind
it and what the recommendations might be.
And for me, personally, the decision to self-disclose
and open up a bit more -- it was twofold.
I needed to learn as much as I could about my condition
so that I could learn how to better manage myself
and then determine will it impact the way I do my work?
And in my case it would, but I believe it's good
to identify an issue and then propose a solution.
>> Aubrey now has a sit-to-stand workstation.
Co-workers and supervisors also understand that she needs to get
up and down and move around a lot.
>> It is not negotiable.
I have to walk at lunch,
and I have to walk before bed otherwise I'm
in an incredible amount of pain and could clot.
And the type of condition I have,
that could be life altering.
>> Aubrey and her family have had to make adjustments
as they balance work and life.
>> It's something that they're just used to now so it kind
of gives -- we joke about it.
Like oh, moms got to go for a walk so now dad and my son Liam,
you know, can have their time together.
For instance, traveling long periods of time,
I have to stop every hour to get out and walk
around otherwise it becomes problematic.
And it's not beneficial.
And I'll be in pain for not just an hour or two but days.
The thing that I wish people understood more was that a lot
of us -- this just kind of happens.
It wasn't something that we planned.
It wasn't something that we would wish upon ourselves.
In some ways it feels like a blessing and a curse,
but I'm not looking for anyone to feel sorry for me.
It's really -- I think over time we all acquire something.
You know, these ships weren't built to last forever.