Member's medical plight moves Alabama local to action
Union goes far beyond the usual service to help a mother in need

Editor’s note: Vi Parramore, president of the Jefferson County (Ala.) AFT, recently sent a letter to the AFT PSRP department about the plight of one of her paraprofessional members. It’s a sad story, but also one of hope and an inspiring example of a union’s compassion and commitment to helping a member in need. Below are some excerpts from the letter.

Jefferson County AFT member Anita Wilson, above left, receives the Angel of Courage Award from local TV broadcaster Brenda Ladun.  JCAFT photo.

On Sept. 28, JCAFT member Anita Wilson received the Angel of Courage Award for her courageous fight against cancer. The award was presented by local ABC news anchor Brenda Ladun, who also fought breast cancer several years ago. Anita is a PSRP at Erwin Elementary School, where she works as a media aide and provides instructional support to students.

I am not sending you this information about Anita to ask for help. I believe her story is newsworthy because of the wonderful person involved and also because it shows the terrible support system for PSRPs, who make so little and so much is expected from them.

Her struggles, and the lack of public assistance for people like her, have led us to turn to our extended labor family for support. We have used our connections to assist Anita, including our work with United Way and other agencies.

Last year, she and her husband found out that she was pregnant the same week that Anita was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced months of chemotherapy that targeted the cancer without damaging the fetus. Unfortunately, Anita’s husband left her—and her 13-year-old son—alone to handle her situation.

Her take-home pay is approximately $500 per month, but she does not qualify for food stamps. Our JCAFT staff person assigned to Erwin is Sheila Jones, who also was a PSRP before coming to work for the JCAFT. Sheila has been instrumental in getting Anita help.

Anita delivered a healthy premature baby girl on Sept. 27. She called Sheila on her way to the hospital, and Sheila was there during the delivery. They have established a friendship because Sheila has been taking her to the hospital for some of her treatments.

Anita never told her principal how serious her situation was, but he found out and responded. He paid her rent to prevent her from being evicted. When they heard about Anita, our local labor council also acted. They collected $227 for her and donated an infant car seat.

Anita faces months of intensive chemotherapy that is much stronger than her pre-pregnancy chemo, so she will not be able to return to work for several months. We are working to get our members and other employees to donate sick leave to Anita. She has never complained or requested help. She has a smile on her face every time we have been in her presence.

When we delivered food to her recently, her small apartment was immaculate. The only food in the house was the milk, cheese and eggs covered by the WIC Program. Anita’s son was so excited. He lined up the boxes and said, "If I only eat one snack per day, this food will last for two weeks."

Anita was honored at an awards breakfast sponsored by our ABC affiliate. Of course our JCAFT family had representatives there. During Anita’s interview with reporters from her hospital room, she praised her friend Sheila and the entire JCAFT family for helping get her through this difficult time. Needless to say, we will find ways to continue our support of this special family.