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?After watching their nephew battle cancer, Andrea and David Gillespie wanted to do something to not only thank St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for everything they did for their family but in hopes that they can help other families in the same position. David ran the Memphis marathon in 2015 as a St. Jude Hero and raised an incredible $14,000 in 2 weeks. In the Spring of 2017 Andrea joined David and "Team Garrett" raised $12,770 for St. Jude.

 

When Tommy Rhodes was a PhD student at Vanderbilt he had a vision to start a camp that brought together kids from all socioeconomic levels, races and backgrounds. Not long after he had that vision Tommy and his wife sold all of their possessions and began Barefoot Republic. Seventeen years later they welcomed their 10,000th camper and now have camps in three states. Barefoot Republic's overnight campground is located in Kentucky and campers stay in "Swiss family Robinson meets MacGyver" style treehouses.

 

?Many Nashville locals are familiar with the Thistle Farms brand. We see it in our grocery stores and enjoy their lavender hand soaps, lotions and candles. What many may not know is how the Survivor-Leaders, graduates of the Thistle Farms program, are paying it forward mentoring other women who have also survived abuse, prostitution and addiction. The Survivor-Leaders are actively involved in not only mentoring newer residents of the program, but also in sharing this work through speaking, and events, with the wider community.

 

"Donnie has gone out of his way time and time again not just for us but for people all in the community," said Darrell Waltrip about Dr. Headrick, his personal vet of 20+ years. "I could tell you stories about things he has done. He's a special man and this was a big honor for me to have him here and present him with this trophy." ? In honor of the countless lives he has impacted during his 40+ years as a practicing vet, Doctor Donnie Headrick was named a Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group Hometown Hero…

Cary Ralph, RN, spends her days, and often her nights and weekends, helping women who are battling breast cancer learn to navigate their way through the disease. As soon as they are diagnosed, Cary is there with them. She doesn't keep any set hours. She is at the hospital, on the phone, or in her office with a patient whenever they need her. She almost never says no to them. She answers questions, holds their hand during a biopsy, goes into surgery with them, and on and on.

 

In 2008 Larisa Featherstone's daughter Lily was diagnosed with leukemia and received 2 years of chemotherapy before going into remission. In 2016 they received the devastating news that the cancer was back. Throughout Lily's fight Larisa and her family have diligently worked to raise funds and awareness for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and children's cancer surpassing their original $1 million goal. They also created the Lily's Garden Endowment which is committed to make a significant contribution to learning more about childhood cancer.

 

?Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, based in Thompson's Station, TN, began over 10 years ago as a grass roots organization when founder Shawn South-Aswad and her husband began taking in a few dogs here and there who found themselves in need of a place to lay their head until they could find their own home. As time passed they developed a love and special touch with seniors and medical needs dogs that needed more one on one attention and were being overlooked by the general rescue population.

 

?"I can't think of anyone who embodies the qualities of a hero more than Jennifer," shared Gail Horton, a dear friend of Jennifer's and her inspiration for exploring foster parenting. "She is a champion for the least of these, the children who are medically fragile and in foster care. Jennifer advocates for these children as if her life depends on it! She is a champion for the children that are in her care. There are some weeks where she spends more time talking to doctors, taking kids to therapy than she is at home…

Michael Fletcher is a well known public servant in Williamson County. A decorated US Army Veteran, Michael has served as a Lieutenant with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department, a paramedic for Williamson Medical Center EMS and currently serves as the Director of Safety and Security for Williamson County Schools. ? "'Fletch' has an extremely rare combination of subject matter knowledge, wisdom and empathy," said Jason Golden, Deputy Superintendent, Williamson County Schools.

 

Michael Fletcher is a well known public servant in Williamson County. A decorated US Army Veteran, Michael has served as a Lieutenant with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department, a paramedic for Williamson Medical Center EMS and currently serves as the Director of Safety and Security for Williamson County Schools. ? "'Fletch' has an extremely rare combination of subject matter knowledge, wisdom and empathy," said Jason Golden, Deputy Superintendent, Williamson County Schools.