Heroes Get Special Honor From The Red Cross
This morning, the Hyatt Valencia played host to the Red Cross Hometown Heroes Breakfast.
The event highlighted nominees in several categories where local individuals acted heroically.
Some cases involved life saving acts by citizens and police officers, others were heroes on other ways, such as educators and volunteers. Television news personality Rick Chambers was on hand to MC the event, and head of the Red Cross Greater Los Angeles Area Board Edmond Lelo was the guest speaker.
Winners were chosen in each category:
First Responder - Deputy William Cordero, Deputy Juan Carrillo.
Youth Hero - Jared Nathanson, Tyler Gibbons, Jessica Manke, Daniel Fennessy.
Educator Hero - Gary Fuller
Medical Hero - Dr. Douglas Gadowski
Workplace Hero - Kirk Taesuntorn
Military Hero - Scott Derderian
Sports Mentor - Brian Nowakowski
Animal Hero - L’Niki
Senior Hero - Judy Peterson
Adult Hero - Suzon Gerstel
Other nominees include:
Laci Provenzano
Shanton Rangi
Pat McCrary
Mickie Schuerger
Diane Green
Jami Kennedy
Tom Threw
Donna Nuzzi
Chaplain Margery Link
Kirk Taesuntorn
Bob Knoblauch
David Sell
Dominick DelaCruz
Janet Fox
Dusty Lander
Christopher Craft
Joseph Trejo
Bradford Szarkowski
Thomas Drake
James Peterson Jr
Hans Schneider
Tim Vanderleek
Charles Christensen
Michelle Kampenga
Frank Digiovanni
John Bomben
To cap off the night, Sally O’Sullivan was given the Jackie Van Hoesen Award.
Upon the announcement of the winners, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital issued a statement with regards to two of the winners, who are affiliated with the hospital. “Dr. Gadowski is a physician's physician," remarks Roger Seaver, President and CEO. "He is sought out by many of his colleagues for his perspective and consultative input, not only on patient care issues but also on the important issues that face physicians in their personal and professional responsibilities."
Dr. Gadowski is Henry Mayo's medical director for medical cardiology, is a leader in Henry Mayo's information technology initiatives, and has a 32-year track record for medical care and philanthropic support in our community.
Senior Hero Judy Peterson also spends many hours helping at Henry Mayo. "Every time I see a volunteer like Judy Peterson I marvel at the sacrifice and commitment," says Diane Lynch, Chief Nursing Officer at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. "Judy was a nurse before she was our volunteer and she's showing other nurses by her example that 'the caring' doesn't have to stop after retirement."
Hear what former Red Cross Greater LA Area leader Jill Valenti had to say about the day.
Councilman TimBen Boydston also weighed in on the Red Cross Heroes
To fill out an application to nominate your Hometown Hero, click here!
