Carrie Baron of Tilton noted as Unsung Hero

CONCORD—We all know them—the families who undergo tremendous stress on a daily basis, yet stay supportive and loving. We know the single mom or dad who stays resilient through the hardest times. We know the isolated parent who reaches out to his or her community for help for their family’s well-being.

Finally, some of these parents get the recognition they deserve. On Feb. 21, NH Children’s Trust and Gov. Chris Sununu presented 28 awards to honor and recognize extraordinary parents and caregivers who go above and beyond to be the best parents they can be. Honorees and their families gathered in the Governor and Council Chambers at the New Hampshire State House in Concord for the annual Unsung Hero Awards ceremony.

Carrie Baron, of Tilton, was nominated by Lauren Baron and Debbie Judd. Carrie’s daughter, Baylee, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and multiple heart defects shortly after birth. At 6 months old, Baylee was hospitalized with serious medical issues. Three months later, she was sent home with a tracheotomy to help her breathe and a G-tube to feed her. Carrie was forced to quickly learn the ins and outs of caring for a child who needs around-the-clock care. She is adept at juggling medical and Early Supports and Services appointments. Carrie seeks professional recommendations to help Baylee continue to grow and develop.

Coming from nine counties in our state, 28 award recipients were nominated by family, friends or co-workers who believe they are doing the very best with what they have. Specifically, each of these exemplary parents have shown effective use of some or all of the five Protective Factors:

• Parental Resilience: Overcoming everyday stress and bouncing back

• Social Connections: Having people who know and support them

• Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: Where to find out about parenting skills and developmental growth

• Concrete Support in Times of Need: Knowing where to turn for help

• Social and Emotional Competence: Knowing how to help their children talk about their feelings

A parent is defined as a dual parent, single parent, grandparents, foster or adoptive parent.

NH Children's Trust is committed to eliminating child abuse and neglect by helping families to build Protective Factors that buffer them in times of stress. It is an honor to recognize ordinary parents for being heroes to their children and role models for their community.