Essi Kivitie, an operational director in the film production sector, found herself in a life-threatening situation during her first trip away from her eight-month-old baby following maternity leave. Initially dismissing her symptoms as a severe migraine or a possible reaction to dehydration or travel stress, she soon faced a much more serious health issue that ultimately led to her hospitalization. This experience prompted Kivitie to raise awareness about recognizing critical health symptoms.

During her work assignment in Luxembourg in April 2022, Kivitie's health began to deteriorate unexpectedly, forcing her to seek medical attention. Following a quick assessment in Luxembourg, she was transferred urgently to Germany for further treatment. The sudden onset of severe symptoms left her uncertain whether she would survive, which highlights the critical need for employees, especially new parents returning to work, to be attentive to their health and well-being during high-pressure situations.

Kivitie's story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by working parents, particularly those transitioning back into their careers after significant life events such as childbirth. By sharing her experience, she hopes to encourage others to understand their bodies better and recognize when to seek medical intervention, potentially preventing tragedies by identifying symptoms of serious conditions at an early stage.