SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – A Sarasota County caregiver hasn’t taken a day off work in six years, and it’s all out of a labor of love.
“If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would be alive,” says Mary Emery.
For nearly 47 years, Emery has battled Cerebral palsy and Scoliosis.
“It makes me not be able to walk; I have to be in a wheelchair and a hospital bed,” Emery said.
So that’s where her caregiver, Esteban Perez comes in. He works with Allied Pro-Health Care worker,
“I work every day with her; I do all the chores and everything she needs,” Perez said.
“He cleans for me, he cooks for me, he helps me get cleaned up,” Emery said. “He helps me get in my wheelchair, out of my bed. He does my laundry, he does everything.”
Emery says if not for him, she would have to stay bedridden.
“He makes sure that I do the everyday life that I want to live,” Emery said.
A Monday through Sunday Job of more than six years with no days off.
“The problem is my holiday is her holiday,” Perez said. “If I don’t come, she doesn’t bathe or eat. That’s why I have to come.”
After taking care of her for so long; Perez says Emery has grown to be part of his family.
“One becomes necessary for her, for that person,” Perez said. “And that’s what I see in her. That I am necessary for her. It’s demanding sometimes, because I know she needs me.”
And it doesn’t go unnoticed.
“I really cannot say enough. I’m so thankful to him,” Emery said.
“It feels good when the fruits of your work come out good,” Perez said. “To know it’s growing and that things are going well.”