Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire Walks a Day in the Shoes of SEIU Member

July 3, 2008

As part of SEIU’s “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program to ensure that political candidates experience firsthand what life is like for working Americans, Governor Christine Gregoire spent a day with home care worker and SEIU Healthcare 775NW member Rosa Vadillo in Tacoma, WA.

After breakfast with Vadillo and her family, Gregoire helped Vadillo care for one of her home care clients, Rita Madding. The two prepared breakfast, assisted with medication, changed bed linens, and completed other tasks Madding is unable to perform because of her illness.
A cancer survivor, Madding woke up one day last year and couldn’t move her legs. Doctors performed a number of tests but still haven’t been able to diagnose her condition. Without Vadillo, Madding would be confined to her bed.

Originally from Mexico, Vadillo came to the U.S. in 2000 to ensure a better future for her family. She’s been a home care worker for seven years and currently cares for two patients a day. She is one of 34,000 long term care workers across Washington State and elsewhere who united with SEIU to win improvements on the job and a better life for the their families.

Gregoire is the first gubernatorial candidate to walk a day in the shoes of an SEIU member. SEIU members across the country are inviting candidates for political office – from mayor to president – to experience firsthand what it’s like to work and raise a family in America.