Celebrate National Parents’ Day Every 4th Sunday of July
Congratulations to the McGovern family, 2008 National Parents' of the Year featured here with Congressman Charlie Dent and Pastor Sue Yoder
Thomas and Kathleen McGovern of Emmaus, PA are the 2008 National Parents’ of the Year. “Tom and Kathy”, as they are fondly called, have three biological children, Tom, Sarah, and Jessica and four adopted children. Recently, they also fostered a medical mission child. Jennica, who they arranged to have open-heart surgery. Tom and Kathy also provided care for Tom’s 92 year-old grandmother. They have been foster parents for over twenty years, caring especially for developmentally disabled children. They have provided care for over forty domestic children and five international children. Kathy holds degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education. Tom has a Doctorate in Chiropractics and is teaching classes in Anatomy and Physiology at two local colleges.
Kathy feels that her mission in life is to take care of others, particularly the disabled. Brianna and Eric are in wheelchairs. Tom and Kathy have seen to it that foster children in their care have had surgeries in order to make their lives better. A recent example is Jennica, a foster care child who had surgery in order for her to be able to walk. Kathy is helping raise funds for Jennica’s adoption by another couple through Barnes and Noble book sales and organizing car washes with the help of The Barn Community. The McGoverns also help other foster families by sharing their knowledge and skills.
The McGoverns are very active within their local community. Tom has served on the Upper Milford Township Zoning, Recreation and Library Boards. He also served on the Lehigh County 4-H Development Board. Some of their children play ball in the Miracle League for children with disabilities. Perhaps their greatest legacy is the impact of having fostered and loved over 50 children entrusted to their care. They have offered compassion, value and hope to the lives of children whom many have abandoned. If you meet any of their children, you immediately see the influence Kathy and Tom’s love has had upon them.
Tom and Kathy willingly place the needs of others above those of themselves. They do not emphasize material possessions, but rather place importance on love for children and concern for others. They usually cannot afford the extras, such as vacations, expensive clothing or furnishings, but are content and flourish with the lifestyle that they have. Most of all they are genuinely grateful for anything that is given to them or done for them. They are truly “Paying It Forward” by carrying out their mission of welcoming and caring for children who need a loving family. To most they are an inspiration and role model, but they consider their actions nothing more than living out the call to love neighbor that we are all invited to do.
The Abels are raising 12 children, ranging in age from 5 to 31…. nine of whom are adopted, while three are “homemade” (according to David’s humor). The adopted children are from all over the world, including Korea , Thailand , Haiti , China and the U.S. …and they are all “special needs” children. Candace summed up her view of her 12 children, “They are my kids. God gave them to me to take care of. They’re easy to love. They’re surprisingly compatible.”
In 1989, the Abels adopted their first daughter, Brittany, after the 12 year-old’s mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Brittany ’s father had abandoned the family earlier. Brittany suffered from various psychological problems. But, with the Abels’ loving care, she overcame those difficulties and grew into a beautiful young woman. Tragically, she lost her life in a car accident in 1999. That same year, the Abels founded the nonprofit Brittany’s Hope Foundation, which helps to facilitate the adoption of children with disabilities from around the world. Candace now serves as the Director of the foundation’s board of 21 members. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work while raising the children and serves as a volunteer with the Social Justice Committee at her church and on the board of Elizabethtown College.
The Abels work as a close team in raising their diverse children. They are the epitome of unconditional love in action.
- Oscar and Sharon Rossum 2006 Pennsylvania Parents of the Year
E. D. Hill, Fox News channel host and author congratulates Oscar and Sharon Rossum as Pennsylvania parents of the year
OSCAR AND SHARON ROSSUM of York, Pennsylvania are the parents of six beautiful children ranging in age from 12 to 20 and have been married for 28 years. Oscar is the senior pastor and founder of Mt. Zion Community Fellowship Church and the President of Pennsylvania’s first public school to be converted into a Charter School- with over 700 students and 100 staff. But these are voluntary positions–he has worked with Tyco Electronics for 22 years to earn the support of his large family!
Daughter Carissa, 18, just graduated from high school with honors and a 4.2 grade-point average. The oldest daughter, Ciara, was President of her graduating class two years ago, and also was a star athlete. The children have all received honors for academics, sports and/or music. They are involved in many extracurricular activities including PSI (Postponing Sexual Involvement), Future Leaders of York, National Honor Society, Student Council, Black and Latino Male Task Force, etc. In March, 2004, the five oldest, having formed a singing quintet, won first place at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. This was after winning first place in the Apollo on Tour Contest at the Strand Capital Theatre in York City, PA in February, 2004.
The Rossums are known for making their home available to youth of all ages at all hours. They also took in Jylieq, a youth who had lost his biological father in a tragic situation, as a member of their family. It is little wonder that the Rossums have been honored by the city of York, given keys to the city, among a number of other awards.
Douglas and Fidelia Friedman 2005 PA Parents of the Year
The Friedmans have 3 children-Samuel, 16, Eric, 13 and Rebecca, 10 yrs old. They met in Mexico City, where both at the time were journalists. Their home is one where tolerance and love for differences in people is the norm. He is white, was born Jewish and speaks with a northern East Coast accent. She is dark-skinned, from a Catholic family, and speaks with a strong Mexican accent. Their children have grown up knowing to love and respect others no matter their race or religion. Both are now teachers; she to kindergarten, he to university students at Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg.
Their daughter, Becky, was born with many developmental problems. For the first 5 years of her life, she was fed through surgically inserted tubes. Every night, she must receive a growth hormone injection (which her loving brothers often administer). Douglas and Fidelia have battled with her illnesses, uncooperative school administrators, and their own health problems to insure that Becky could receive the best education possible. Their son, Sam, has Tourettes Syndrome. By the nonstop efforts of his parents, Sam is a happy teenager, a Boy Scout, active athlete and B student. Their other son, Eric is an honor student who has won many academic awards (for example, he reached the regional Spelling Bee finals 3 years in a row.)
Three years ago, Douglas developed cancer. His treatments included over 4 months of chemotherapy, followed by a month of radiation treatment. His oncologist said that Douglas ‘ reaction to the chemotherapy was the most difficult that he had ever seen in a patient. Despite the ravages of chemo, he continued teaching throughout the treatment, missing only one day during the whole time. He and Fidelia also maintained their home as a stable environment for the children, taking turns in driving them to their sports, school events, etc. Despite all of their challenges, the Friedmans continue to volunteer with community organizations, their childrens schools and their synagogue. Their example of unceasing service to the community in spite of great adversity continually inspires all those who know this special family.
Rob and Angela Vaugh 2004 PA Parents of the Year with daughter Stephanie and Governor Ed Rendell