A Grandmother's Pride and Joy

This State worker's granddaughter showed her how important SEFA is.

Don't tell little Veronica she can't do something. "She's a very determined, smart child for all of her three and a half years," says proud grandmother Barbara Macey. Barbara, who works at the New York State Department of Civil Service, ticks off a list of the brown haired, blue-eyed tot's accomplishments, such as counting, knowing her ABCs and Barney songs, and attending Story Place pre-nursery school. "She wants to do everything," says a beaming Barbara. "She's a joy to be with and a special little girl."

Veronica's accomplishments are perhaps more impressive because of the extra challenge she takes on. At eight months old she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It was hard for Veronica's mom Stephanie, Barbara's daughter, and dad Joe when they first learned their baby had CP. "The whole family went through some painful times and asked all those questions-why my child, why my baby?" Barbara remembers. "But you don't love your child any less. You pick yourself up, brush yourself off and go with it."

Veronica has trouble controlling her muscles, but, explains Barbara, "if there's something on the table and she wants it she works very, very hard to get it." Doctors, say her prognosis for walking is good, but will take a long time. "She really wants to walk and she'll do it," states Barbara. "She says, 'put me down I want to walk,' and she works at it."

Veronica makes regular trips to a community health services organization in Albany to have her hips x-rayed. Such non-profit organizations are critical to Veronica's care. Being a State employee, Barbara is able to make a donation to the non-profit organizations that are vital to those with disabilities through the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA). With SEFA, State employees can designate their contributions to any county or specific SEFA-supported agency in New York State.

Before Veronica, Barbara never thought of giving to SEFA. "People don't realize how important these organizations are until their own lives are touched by something like this," she says. "The thing is, you never know when something could happen to a family member, friend or yourself. I started giving to SEFA because I saw how much they did, how many organizations they represent. People don't know how important their contributions to SEFA are to babies like Veronica. Through SEFA, you can really help so many people."

If you would like to contribute to SEFA, contact your agency's campaign manager.

If you would like to submit a SEFA story for inclusion on the website please contact Regina Morse at NYS Department of Labor, (518) 457-1993.

Last Modified: October 02, 2008