earlier this year, Mom needed some surgery - we flew over to be with her. Surgery was delayed so my wife stayed several more days to be with her and help with any medical decisions (wife is RN by training) - UA refunded the change fee, minus the $50, with a note from my Mom's doctor. No hassles.

I did the change of my wife's flights through the Mileage Plus desk so perhaps they noted something in the file too.