Community Hero 2007
Eddie Zermeno
“Compassionate, patient and loving.” These are just a few words that characterize “Eddie Z.” His positive attitude and quick smile brighten each day at The Center for Medically Fragile Children at Providence Child Center, where Eddie lives with 19 other kids.
As a result of Cerebral Palsy and Microcephalus, Eddie is completely dependent on professional caregivers for all daily activities – a situation that hasn’t dampened his joyful spirit. Despite having physical and hearing impairments and being unable to live at home, Eddie Z sets a remarkable example of how it is possible to live life to the fullest no matter what.
Eddie enjoys watching people act silly and playing with helium balloons. He loves taking field trips to local hockey games and riding the MAX train. Eddie gets a big kick (and quite a few laughs) out of the occasional “food fight.” At age 16, hanging out with his roommate Cooper and good friend Susan is one of his favorite pastimes.
“Eddie possesses a sense of happiness and contentment you rarely find even in people without disabilities,” says one of his caregivers, Taryn. “He is incredibly accepting of others, and so giving to everyone in his life.” Indeed, there are many valuable lessons to learn from this young hero.
