Homer Glen Boy, 5, Featured As 'Everyday Hero'

HOMER GLEN, IL — A young Homer Glen resident was recently featured as an "Everyday Hero" on 101.9 The Mix's Koz & Jen show. Tyler Cepkauskas, 5, is the older brother to Emily, 2, who has Down Syndrome and a congenital heart defect.

In the past, Tyler has helped to host a Chalk-A-Thon to help support the Ronald McDonald house, which the family has stayed at in the past when they needed to be close to the hospital for Emily.

According to 101.9 The Mix, Tyler was chosen because "he’s been by her side every step of the way through all her surgeries, never complaining, and is patient during all of their weekly doctor visits – and he’s teaching himself sign language so he can communicate with Emily."

Tyler's mom Laurie Cepkauskas, said she nominated Tyler so that he would feel special.

"He is so deserving and it was time he was acknowledged for his big heart," Laurie said. "When [Tyler] heard himself on the radio, he said he was famous now!"

Photo provided by Cepkauskas family.