Voice for others Scranton woman relishes role as advocate

From Scranton PA-

Bonita Ferguson wears many hats - some of them Dr. Seuss hats, she joked - on a daily basis, but the one she's most proud of is advocate.

Ms. Ferguson, who acts as primary caregiver for her chronically ill elderly mother, Ann, also is the parish secretary for St. Luke's Episcopal Church in downtown Scranton. In her role as a daughter, she advocates bringing a human touch back to home health care. As a church employee, she's become a proponent of showcasing local arts and animal rights.

Defending the dignity of elderly people and helpless animals is something that feels right, Ms. Ferguson said.

"Sometimes they don't have a voice, and that's where I become a loudmouth," she laughed.

A lifelong Scranton resident, Ms. Ferguson's career path has included stints in the treasurer's office at the University of Scranton, in health care at Community Medical Center and with a private practice neurosurgeon and even investments. Eventually, she also earned certification in massage therapy and worked for minor league baseball teams, chiropractors and hair studios, and became a certified nail technician.

When her mother was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma, however, Ms. Ferguson decided to take a step back from herself and devote her energy to caring for her mom.

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