Jessie Lutes

Supplied by the Community Care Access Centre… Nominated by: Liza Parker, Krista Greenwood, Anthony Naccarato and Lesley Dixon

“True heroism is minutes, hours, weeks, year upon year of the quiet, precise, judicious exercise of care – with no one there to see or cheer.” Jessie Lutes is an amazing advocate for her daughter Anita, who has Downs Syndrome. Along with being her loving mother and primary caregiver, Jessie is Anita’s advocate, giving her a voice in ensuring Anita receives the services and care she requires. Jessie collaborates closely with the CCAC multidisciplinary therapy team and consistently puts Anita’s needs before her own. Jessie maximizes the community services Anita has in place and she is motivated to explore and access any resources that can provide improved quality of life for her daughter. By doing so, Jessie has been able to maintain Anita in her own home environment, despite numerous suggestions over the years to relocate her to a formal care setting.  Jessie takes this role on with selflessness, and says, “I’m just doing what’s in my heart”.