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 22
Lynda Hickok – Wenatchee
My hero is my sister. About a dozen years ago she suddenly found herself the caregiver of her special needs grandson, for whom effort had never been made to help him progress. When she began looking for appropriate services to help the little boy, the professionals told her that there was really no hope that this child would ever be more that he was then … a sorry little lump of life, gradually fading away. This was obviously going to be a major challenge, just possibly doable.
How was a single grandma going to make everything as right as possible for her grandson?
Well, Lynda wasn't about to accept that there was nothing that could help her grandson have a worthwhile life. Over the years, she has researched several facets of state law concerning the rights of developmentally disabled children. Her determination forced the school system to provide and utilize an individual education plan for Charles, including some mainstream classes.
She ultimately got Charles enrolled in the local high school, where there had never before been a special needs student. After initially trying to avoid having this child in their school, the administration actually came to hear Lynda's arguments and recognize their responsibility. They wound up buying into development of a program designed around Charles, and his acceptance by staff and students alike was phenomenal.
Lynda and Charles were inundated with physical challenges to match his already difficult situation. He had scoliosis that required surgery to prevent it from crushing his heart and lungs. Due to the extreme nature of the twist, Lynda packed up and they went to Seattle for this surgery.
It seemed that, as soon as this situation was taken care of, Charles was diagnosed with Leukemia. Lynda, who was undergoing chemotherapy following removal of half a lung, dropped her treatment and they went to Children's Hospital in Seattle, where they stayed, residing at Ronald McDonald house, for over eight months.
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Keeping in close touch with the school, Lynda brought Charles home in time for Charles to attend graduation with his class. This was like the crowning achievement and demonstrated that Charles could accomplish something.
As Charles grew older, Lynda searched more actively for a group home where Charles could live his adult life. A new home was being built in Leavenworth. Lynda applied for Charles, and they passed the screening and Charles was determined a good fit for this particular group of special needs adults. Charles is now settled in a group home and has a part-time job. He enjoys the independence of being there with his friends, with frequent "visits" to his grandma's.
Lynda did it! At the time, it seemed to those of us who know and love her, that Lynda had taken on a herculean task, if at all possible. This was going to mean fighting city hall, as it were. She met the goal she had set those years ago. She had made a major change from what her life had been before, but didn't hesitate. She didn't let officials brush her off. And she campaigned diligently for her grandson's rights and benefit. The goal was met. Charles is semi-independent, anticipates a full life, and will certainly never be warehoused in an institution.
Nominator: Phyllis Browning
