Parade celebrating recovery of 17-year-old, COVID-19 survivor bright spot for South Side community

CHICAGO—A South Side community came together for a parade to celebrate 17-year-old Sierra Rogers’ recovery after fighting COVID-19 for nearly eight weeks.

Sierra J. Rogers received treatment for the coronavirus at Rush University Medical Center from March 27 until May 20. Sierra then spent time at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to help rebuild her strength after fighting the virus.

Ivy, who also overcame COVID-19, says it was an uphill battle, but Sierra is overjoyed to finally be home.

“Sierra is truly a fighter. She somehow maintained her bright and bubbly personality through it all,” Ivy said. “She built relationships with the staff at Rush, who went to great lengths to care and comfort her. Sierra is thrilled to finally be home and so grateful for everyone who has supported her in this journey to recovery.”

Sierra has Down syndrome and has had various health issues throughout her life, including heart surgery as a baby, screws in her hips and stomach surgery.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) was a grand marshal in the parade to celebrate Sierra’s recovery.

“Seeing such resilience and joy is what the world needs right now,” Sims said. “We have seen so much devastation in the midst of the two recent crises, the pandemic and the desperate fight for equality. It gives me hope to see a family overcome this deadly virus and have such a full appreciation for life.”

Sims calls for solidarity to deliver meaningful change at Day of Action

CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), other black leaders and the governor took to the South Suburbs Saturday to call for action regarding police brutality and systemic racism.

“The fight is not over until black communities are finally prioritized and fear isn't felt in the presence of law enforcement,” Sims said. “Leaders on all levels have to come together to fix our broken system, so that it reflects that black lives do in fact matter. Our communities are entitled to fair resources and justice.”

The event at 1550 Sibley Blvd in Calumet City was the third in a series of four events organized by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus in response to racial acts of violence against individuals like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Face masks, food, water and Census resources were provided.

Sims vowed to continue fighting until people of all backgrounds are treated the same.

“I remain committed to work with the people of the 17^th District, local leaders and people within the system itself to truly reform our criminal justice system. We will achieve progress together,” Sims said.

The next and final day of action in the series will be in the West Suburbs on Sunday, June 7. The event is from noon to 1 p.m. at 300 Oak St.

Resources to help businesses recover

• Resources list – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has put together a list of many resources available to small businesses. Learn more at: dceocovid19resources.com/for-businesses/   
• Small business loans – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering assistance loans to affected businesses. More information here: www.sba.org
• Cannabis business license applications – IDFPR is allowing applications via certified mail, rather than in person. Learn more here: https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/Executive-Orders/ExecutiveOrder2020-33.aspx
• Automatic license extensions – IDFPR is automatically renewing all licenses that would normally expire between March 1 and July 31 until September 30. Continuing education that would normally be required to be completed in person can also be done online. The governor has issued executive orders that provide similar opportunities to cannabis businesses, private security and fingerprint vendors. Find more here: https://www.idfpr.com
• Expedited Critical Access Pharmacy Payments – Comptroller Mendoza has expedited payments to pharmacies in underserved rural communities. illinoiscomptroller.gov/news/press-releases/comptroller-mendoza-releases-payments-to-critical-access-pharmacies/   
• Business insurance complaints – Business owners with concerns about their business insurance coverage that need additional help can contact the Department of Insurance. https://mc.insurance.illinois.gov/messagecenter.nsf
• Advantage Illinois and FAME loan recipients – The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is encouraging lenders to provide relief to borrowers. Read more here: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance
• Student teaching – Allows college students to get teaching certificates without student teaching due to the remote learning requirement. Similar provisions are in place for other educator licenses. Learn more: https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/Executive-Orders/ExecutiveOrder2020-31.aspx

Sims commends governor’s prompt response to calls for disaster declaration