Covington’s Megan Carter knows how stressful it can be to raise two kids. Unlike most parents though, Carter has a more difficult time because both of her kids were born premature and now have a host of medical conditions they have to deal with on a daily basis.

When events like Chief for a Day happen, she is more than grateful to not worry about the stress of their medical conditions for just one day.

Carter’s 3-year-old daughter Ellie was born at just 4 months and weighed under one pound. She has a long list of medical conditions but the main ones include chronic lung disease, she has a feeding tube, epilepsy and many issues with her stomach and lungs. Her 6-year-old son Spencer was also premature but not as early as Ellie. He has numerous food allergies and has high functioning autism, she said.

Ellie and Spencer were nominated to be part of Chief for a Day that took place on Aug. 18, which is a day celebrating the lives of children who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Thirty children were given a day that focused on their dreams, not their illness, according to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center website.

Each child was transported by police motorcade to the training center, had a hand-tailored uniform from their sponsoring agency, had a swearing in ceremony where they were sworn in as chief or sheriff. After the ceremony, there were hours of food and activities for the kids and families. The therapists at the Children’s Therapy Center in Kent nominated Ellie and Spencer when Covington’s Chief of Police Andrew McCurdy asked them if they knew of any families they could nominate.

Carter felt a bond right away with McCurdy because his twins were born at 24 weeks as well, so he was able to relate to their struggles, Carter said.

McCurdy was honored to be able to participate in this event because it hits close to home for him. His son was actually sponsored by Chief for a Day a few years ago and he said in an email his son still talks about it to this day.

“It was a life changing event for my entire family,” McCurdy said.

This event is unique because it makes the children with special needs feel so loved and supported by the entire community, McCurdy said. They see they are being supported as an individual and are not defined by their illness.

“Too often these kids with chronic medical issues get sympathy from people who meet them, which can lower their self esteem because they feel like they are defined by their illnesses,” McCurdy said.

A friendship with the Carter’s will continue for many years after this experience, McCurdy said. He thought it was great for his officers and other city staff to get to know them as well.

“The Carter family is awesome and the kids are very sweet and inspiring,” McCurdy said. “It has been great for my officers and other city staff to get to know them and I think the friendship will continue for many years.

The chief said the Covington Kiwanis Club organized fund raising and “we were able to help the family with some expenses they might have otherwise struggled with.”

“It was a really great event, I feel so lucky to have been part of the day,” Carter said. “McCurdy is absolutely incredible.”

The Carter’s, along with the other 30 families had a fun time. Everything was set up for the kids, and they were all taken care of very well, Carter said. Spencer’s food allergies were accommodated.

“We have been through a lot in the last few years and it was nice to see them get recognized for their accomplishments,” Carter said.