Seattle's Child is proud to once again sponsor the Unsung Heroes being honored in February by the Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington.
Every day this month we'll present an Unsung Hero.
Nominations are accepted from around the state and include biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofit organizations; some mentor others in their communities. All honorees are true heroes: outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.
Heidi Walker, Puyallup
Eight years ago, Heidi had a stroke. She had two young children at home.
In the time since then, Heidi has not only resumed her normal activities of daily living, but also surpassed them.
As a trained special education teacher, she has used her knowledge and skills to become an advocate for not only her children, but for other local children. She is a voice for children and a resource for parents.
Recently, her youngest child was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Heidi has focused her energy on finding silver linings while caring for her daughter and going through the difficult day-to-day aspects of an autoimmune disease. No stranger to resiliency, Heidi formed Team Isabella with her daughter, a group that encourages strength, healing, and education for kids with RA.
Heidi educates the community, recognizes the social and emotional needs of her own and other children, and works to improve those things for all kids. When I think about models of strength and resiliency, Heidi comes to mind every time. She is an incredible woman who has overcome much in her personal health history and continues to work to improve the lives of others. She does it all without expectation of external reward or recognition. Heidi does it all out of love. She is a true unsung hero.
Nominator: Jennifer McDonald
