February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Hero for February 24
Tammi Cerna – Aberdeen
Tammi, her husband, Herb, and their children have worked together like a well-oiled machine to make sure that the newest addition to their family not only survived, but thrived. When Jaycee was placed with the family they knew only that she needed a place to be and that she had to take antibiotics daily to prevent chronic urinary tract infections. However, Tammi was quickly able to determine that there was something a little more going on with "little Ms. Jaycee." Tammi quickly took action, seeking medical care and carefully monitoring Jaycee. Jaycee was found to have a very serious blood condition, that untreated is usually fatal. This condition left Jaycee's immune compromised, in need of frequent testing and daily shots.
The next several months were consumed with visits to specialist, scores of medical procedures and several hospitalizations. Through it all Tammi continually advocated that Jaycee's needs be met and that she was always afforded the care and respect she deserved. Being a foster child did not make Jaycee a second class citizen! Tammi would not settle for cut rate care. In the meantime this meant using all her sick leave and at one time resorting to unpaid leave so that she could be present for Jaycee during her medical care. Each decision was made in terms of what is the best interest of Jaycee.
The family rallied around Jaycee, even delaying Christmas when she was hospitalized and waiting until the whole family could be together to open presents. Tammi's adult daughter quit her job to be an in home babysitter for Jaycee, when she couldn't attend daycare due to her compromised immune system. The family also brought Jaycee's biological mother into the fold, hoping to encourage and support her in attempt to become the parent Jaycee needed. Ultimately she decided that Jaycee was exactly where she needed to be and asked them to adopt Jaycee.
Nominator: Stephanie Rodrigues
