Award Winners' Stories

Innovative Air, Inc. ~ Community Partner Hero

In these difficult economic times, Innovative Air, Inc . recognized that local non-profits were struggling to provide services to their clients.  They stepped up to help by offering several local non-profits free quarterly maintenance services. 

These free heating and air-conditioning services saved money for the non-profits so that more resources could be devoted to vital services for those who need it most in our community.

Non-profits currently receiving services from Innovative Air, Inc. include Food for Lane County, United Way of Lane County, HIV Alliance, Committed Partners for Youth, and CASA of Lane County.

Innovative Air is a small business that has been in operation for about four years.  These donations are a financial sacrifice, however the employees at Innovative Air believe that in tough times community members need to pull together to help one another get through.

Mark Molina nominated Innovative Air because, “They have stood where the rubber meets the road and have clearly and loudly declared to our community agencies that they are not alone, that we are all in this together.”    Nominated by: Mark Molina

Tikva Ehlers ~ Animal Hero

Tikva’s name means “Hope” in Hebrew.  She is a beautiful Keeshond.  Cindy Ehlers is Tikva’s owner and trainer.

In February 2008, Tikva helped provide on-site crisis response at Northern Illinois University, comforting the victims, families, emergency workers and University students and staff after a tragic shooting killed six students and wounded another 16 on campus.

Tikva’s gentle and compassionate presence helped many who were grieving and helped bring a moment of quiet comfort to those who witnessed or first responded to the tragic scene.  Tikva’s volunteer efforts were featured on the Today Show to demonstrate how her calmness helps people cope and recover from difficult events and circumstances.

Tikva is a well-traveled Red Cross volunteer.  She has been an active crisis response volunteer with the Red Cross’ mental health response services team for nearly eight years.  During that time, Tikva spent two weeks helping victims and emergency workers at Ground Zero following the 9-11 attacks and worked many long hours at Red Cross shelters in the south following Hurricane Katrina.

Tikva volunteers regularly with the local American Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team (DAT), providing comfort to Lane County victims of home fires and other disasters.  She also volunteers every other week at Sacred Heart’s Emergency Room bringing a comforting presence to adults and children.

Tikva was nominated for her compassionate work and comforting of literally thousands of people of all ages, from all walks of life, both here in Lane County and at national disaster locations across the United States.  We thank Tikva for the care and comfort she has given to others during difficult times.    Nominated by: Rebecca Roby

Brayden Swartz ~ Youth Hero

In June of 2007, Brayden Swartz and his 5th grade classmates went on a school field trip to Willamalane’s Splash Water Park.  Brayden is a strong swimmer and had decided to head for the deep end of the wave pool with his friend Eli.

Brayden was walking along the edge of the pool when he saw his friend Eli jump into the deep end. Eli began struggling and thrashing around in the deep end. The lifeguards had not yet noticed his friend was in trouble.

Without hesitation, Brayden jumped into the pool, swam out to his friend, pulled him to the side of the pool and helped him out of the water. At this point, the lifeguards rushed over to help and checked to make sure that Eli was okay. Eli was shaken from the incident, but was otherwise fine.

Because of Brayden’s quick and heroic actions, Eli was rescued before his head went under water.  Brayden was only 10 years old when he saved his friend from drowning in the pool. Nominated by: Samantha Dragt

Dr. Cathryn Chicola ~ Medical Hero

Dr. Chicola is a radiologist and Director of Women’s Imaging at Oregon Imaging Centers .  Dr. Chicola has dedicated her life to women’s breast health.  She regularly reaches out to women through speaking engagements about the importance of “Making Time for the Girls”.  She speaks about breast cancer prevention and treatment.  Dr. Chicola stresses the importance of breast self-exams for women over 20 years old and annual mammograms for women 40 and up.  

The rate of breast cancer in Oregon is higher than just about any other place in the country.  Dr. Chicola is the only radiologist in the southern Willamette Valley who dedicates 100% of her time to reading breast images to detect breast cancer before it’s too late.  She also was the first in this area to use MRI to diagnose and detect breast cancer.

Dr. Chicola has worked tirelessly to develop a ‘center’ to speed up diagnosis, reduce the time for women to begin treatment process, and create a team approach to care.  Her vision became a reality in December, 2008 when the Oregon Imaging Breast & MRI Center opened at RiverBend Hospital in Springfield.

The Oregon Imaging Breast & MRI Center exceeds national benchmarks and features the most advanced screening and diagnostic imaging technology, supported by comprehensive, integrated care.  This center offers patients and their referring providers access to nearly every major clinical service necessary to diagnose and manage the treatment of breast cancer.  This center provides patients easy access to expert care, while enabling their team-of-experts to work together.

“It’s really a one-stop campus, from diagnosis through treatment,” says Dr. Chicola.  “We work collaboratively with the Willamette Valley Cancer Center and other providers right on the RiverBend campus.”

“Taking care of my patients is a profound responsibility that I truly am honored to hold”, she says.  “As women, we have a responsibility to take care of each other.”   

Nominated by: Josh Kermisch

Brad Cascagnette ~ Professional Rescue Hero

Brad Cascagnette, a local defense attorney, is trained in professional rescue and is a volunteer ski patrol team member at Willamette Pass. Brad is also an avid fisherman.

On July 13, 2008, Brad put his fishing boat into the McKenzie River near Hayden Bridge. The McKenzie was particularly dangerous due to an unusually high amount of snow melt.  The water was incredibly cold and moving very fast.

University of Oregon football players were lined up on the side of the river ready to start their annual tradition of floating down the river.  Before starting their trip, some of the players decided to jump off the 30ft high bridge.

All of the players were fine following the jump, except Todd Doxey.  Todd was struggling in the water and went under the surface.  The other players were shouting and Brad, hearing the commotion, rowed over to the area where Todd had been struggling.

Todd was at the bottom of the river.  One of Todd’s friends swam to the bottom and pulled him to the surface.  The friend and Brad tried desperately to get Todd into the boat.  When they couldn’t pull him in, Brad did his best to perform rescue breaths and CPR on Todd on the side of the boat.  Meanwhile, other people began boarding Brad’s boat to help get Todd in the boat.

The boat was close to sinking.  It was beyond its capacity.  Brad struggled to row to the other side of the river while the others continued CPR. Sometime during all this, Brad broke a rib. He eventually got the boat to shore while Todd’s teammates continued rescue breaths and CPR until the medical teams arrived.

Todd Doxey was alive when he reached the hospital, but died later that evening. 

Sheri Greatwood, the wife of one of Todd’s football coaches at the U of O, nominated Brad because she says, “There are a lot of heroes in this world, but I believe that Brad is the mold from which they are cut.”    Nominated by: Sheri Greatwood

Dr. John Crumbley ~ Adult Hero, Outstanding Compassion

Dr. John Crumbley served as a detention group worker, juvenile counselor, and senior juvenile counselor with the Lane County Juvenile Justice Center and John Serbu Youth Campus from 1980 until his passing on December 1, 2008.  

John focused his work on Lane County’s most troubled youth.  “John dedicated his life to people who had been given up on by so many others,” said fellow counselor John Aarons, Crumbley’s colleague for nearly 30 years.  “John’s ability to find a ray of hope, a bright shining spot, something to build on, was really without comparison.”

Dr. Crumbley, along with his co-workers John Aarons and Wade Fraser, developed an anger management program called “Developing Options to Anger”, which aimed to reduce juvenile anger and violence.  The program is used throughout the United States and Canada as both a juvenile justice competency program and for use as a prevention program in schools.   Aarons says, “It helps them expand their list of options and use courage in solving difficult situations.”

“John was just a tremendous resource with kids and families,” Lane County Circuit Juvenile Judge Kip Leonard said.  “He understood that a therapeutic approach to the problems of juvenile delinquency was much more effective than a punitive approach.  He was able to keep in mind that the focus needed to be making things better in the lives of kids who came through these doors.  He did that with amazing grace and good humor and without forgetting the effects of their delinquent behavior on the victims.”

“In my mind, John was a great hero to our youth,” says Sandra Stenius.  “I am sure he saved lives on several occasions as fragile youth often make hasty decisions and consider ending their lives.  John went the extra mile for teens.  He had a profound influence on his co-workers as well as children of all ages.”    Nominated by: Sandra Stenius

Doug Rossetter, Pam Rossetter & Suzanne Horton

Adult Heroes, Life-saving

On August 21, 2008, long-time friends, Doug, Pam and Suzanne went for an impromptu bike ride.  Tired of going the same route, they meandered down different streets trying to find a new course to the bike path near Valley River Center in Eugene.    

The trio found a street that connected to the bike path and noticed a crowd gathered at the junction.  They were all looking at the ground, with concern and confusion on their faces.

Doug, Pam and Suzanne approached and found that the crowd was gathered around a motionless man positioned face-down on the ground.  Nobody was helping the man.

Suzanne had received first-aid and CPR training when she worked in the public school system.  Doug and Pam had just been recertified in first-aid and CPR the day before.  The three immediately sprung to action, working as a team.

Suzanne called 9-1-1 and directed the crowd to back up and give them room.  Doug and Pam checked the gentleman for signs of life.  Doug carefully rolled the man over.  His face was covered in blood where he had struck the pavement and his skin was turning blue.  Doug and Pam followed the 9-1-1 dispatchers first-aid instructions and determined CPR was needed immediately.

Pam began rescue breaths and CPR.  Meanwhile Suzanne stayed on the phone with the 9-1-1 dispatcher relaying information.  She searched the man’s possessions and found a license and a cell phone.  The man’s name was Darrel Lindblad.  She dialed the last few numbers in his phone and reached friends and family members who were able to relay important medical information.

Pam conducted CPR for nearly ten minutes before the paramedics arrived.  The paramedics asked Pam to continue CPR while they set up their equipment.

The shocks from the paramedics’ Automated External Defibrillator (AED) were successful in restoring a normal rhythm to Darrel’s heart.  Darrel was implanted with a cardiac defibrillator and fully recovered.

Darrel stated, “Undoubtedly, the successful outcome and my recovery were due to the heroic efforts by Doug, Pam and Suzanne that allowed the paramedics to ‘restart’ my heart.  Without their quick action and willingness to help a stranger in need, I would not have survived my cardiac arrest.”    Nominated by: Darrel Lindblad

Nominees' Stories

Loreen Ervin

Loreen Ervin works at LANECO Federal Credit Union with Donna Trusty, her friend and employee of 10 years.

On January 22, 2008, a phone call came into the credit union for Donna.  Donna was not responding to any calls, which was unusual.  Worried, Loreen went to check for Donna in her office.  Loreen found Donna under her desk, unconscious, with lips turning blue.

Loreen instantly took charge.  She directed one nearby employee to call 9-1-1 and another to seal off the doors so customers were kept away from the scene.

Loreen used her first-aid and CPR skills to determine that Donna required CPR immediately!  Donna performed CPR and rescue breaths constantly until the Emergency Medical Teams arrived.

Donna survived!  Donna and the medical personnel are positive that if Loreen had not acted quickly and performed first-aid and CPR correctly, Donna would not be alive today.  In fact, one of the members of the Emergency Medical Team took the time to return to the credit union to inform Loreen her diligent efforts and quick thinking were what probably saved Donna’s life.

Donna is eternally grateful for Loreen’s help.  Donna nominated Loreen for, “her judgment, knowledge and calm response in the face of a life-threatening situation.  Her persistence until help arrived saved my life.”    Nominated by: Donna Trusty

Kimlyn Esser

Nearly everyday, Kimlyn performs selfless acts of kindness, generosity, compassion, and humanity that affect many people around her,” says Staci Herchenroder, a friend and co-worker. 

Kimlyn volunteers with the Lions Club and the Walterville Grange, hosts foreign exchange students and mentors local children.

When a co-worker’s son was diagnosed with cancer, Kimlyn quickly acted to try to make their lives a little easier.  The co-worker’s home needed much work to make it a sterile environment for her son’s compromised immune system. 

Kimlyn organized friends and family to help fix up the home.  They were able to procure donations of new flooring, furniture, bathroom supplies and a refrigerator.  Kimlyn even convinced a local car dealer to donate a reliable car for eight months so the pair would have safe and reliable transportation to Portland for the son’s chemotherapy.

Kimlyn also anonymously helped another area family struggling with cancer, one that she did not know personally.  She paid their electric bill and bought all of the presents on their Christmas wish list.  When asked who they could thank, she said Santa Claus.

In her work with the Walterville Grange, Kimlyn helps arrange holiday gift baskets for community members in need and personally sponsors five people on their Tree of Joy.  Knowing this past Holiday season would be difficult for many families, Kimlyn took on an additional six names from other trees in Eugene and Springfield.

Kimlyn also extends her generosity to family members in need.  When a niece and great-niece were facing difficult times in California, Kimlyn helped them move to Oregon.  She encouraged and mentored her niece to enroll in Lane Community College and helped her find a new direction in life.

“Even though Kimlyn gives so much of her time, energy and money to the community, she still finds time to balance work, school and family,” says Staci.  “Despite my limited knowledge of all the good work Kimlyn does, I know of these great acts which leads me to believe that this is only a very small fraction of the help that she provides.”    Nominated by: Staci Herchenroder

Juan Diego Hernandez

Very late on Halloween night 2008, Jessi was driving home from working at an event at the University of Oregon when she was hit by another vehicle.

Jessi and the other driver pulled around the corner into a bank parking lot to exchange information.  The place was isolated, dark and away from traffic.  The person who hit Jessi got out of his car and it was immediately apparent that he was drunk.

The man started negotiating with Jessi, telling her not to call their insurance companies or the police.  The man admitted to Jessi that he had been drinking heavily, was on probation and “might” have an outstanding warrant.

Jessi tried to separate herself from the man by getting into her car.  He grabbed Jessi, trapped her and then tried to give her a hug to apologize. This ripped open stitches from a recent medical procedure Jessi had.  He then began to threaten her verbally.

At this point another man approached wearing a t-shirt with the word “Police” on it.  He introduced himself as Diego and indicated he had seen the accident.  He was calm, collected, and created a safe space for Jessi to call 9-1-1, and even managed to calm down the other driver.  Diego ordered the drunk driver to give Jessi all of his information, while advising Jessi to give the driver none of hers.  Diego even went through the drunk driver’s glove box to obtain the information. 

Although the drunk driver left before police arrived on the scene, Diego kept Jessi safe and diffused a potentially dangerous situation.  Jessi assumed Diego worked in law enforcement because of his shirt, demeanor and extensive knowledge of the rules associated with car accidents.  Jessi has since learned that Diego is a U of O student.  He was wearing a Halloween costume and was the designated driver for a group of his friends that night.  Diego hopes to go to law school and is an active student leader at the U of O.  Diego works on issues of social justice and mentors other students about how to be active in their communities.

Jessi was later informed by police that the drunk driver was on parole for a federal offense and had a warrant out for his arrest.  Jessi is very thankful Diego was there to help her.  She says, “Diego willingly put himself in a situation that could have been unsafe for him, in an effort to help me.  He refuses to admit he did anything special.  He is simply a good person.  I don’t know a better definition of a hero”.    Nominated by: Jessi Steward

Nancy Hughes

While working with the Cascade Medical Team in Guatemala, Nancy Hughes was inspired after hearing an 18-year old indigenous woman’s story.  The woman had fallen into a kitchen fire at age two and was burned so badly she lost the use of her hands.  For 16 years she prayed for a miracle.  The medical team was that miracle and restored the use of her hands.

Working with the Southtowne Rotary Club in Eugene, the Guatemala Metropoli and Guatemala Sur Rotary Clubs in Guatemala City, Nancy started a project - StoveTeam International - to address the root causes of debilitating respiratory, eye and skin diseases, upper respiratory infections and tragic burns in the indigenous population of Central America.  These preventable problems, caused by smoky open fires in rural homes, are the leading cause of death among local children.

Nancy and her team developed a cooking stove that’s safe, eliminates smoke that can damage respiratory systems, and that is economical for people in Third World Countries.  In one year, Eugene’s Southtowne Rotary helped set up factories in El Salvador and in Guatemala that have made more than 4,000 of these stoves.

Last year, Nancy gave over 100 speeches at Rotary Clubs and to other groups throughout the United States about the StoveTeam International project.

Judi Beard-Strubing, a fellow Rotary Club member, states, “Nancy’s vision and passion has resulted in thousands of lives being changed, health being saved and jobs being created in Central America.  She is the very epitome of ‘making a difference’”.

Visit StoveTeam International’s website to learn more about their projects: www.stoveteam.org.

Nominated by: Judi Beard-Strubing

Johanna Larson

Jo works as a professor at the University of Oregon.  Jo developed American Sign Language (ASL) as a degree program at the U of O , making it one of the few universities in the United States with such a program.

David, her husband, states, “In Jo’s ASL classes over the past ten years, she has bonded almost instantly with each new class, carrying it through the year not as an assemblage of students but as a unit, a complex grouping of people who end up declaring for new careers in Deaf Communication.”

Jo is incredibly dedicated to ASL, deaf awareness and her students.  She voluntarily meets on her own time, at night with student groups and individuals.  She organized and leads the ASL club at the U of O and organizes club events and fundraisers.  Jo also organizes and conducts an annual Deaf Awareness Event for the public at the U of O, drawing hearing and non-hearing people from around the state.  Additionally, Jo participates as an organizer and speaker at the annual event for minority middle school students who travel from districts around the state to visit the U of O.

Jo is also very dedicated to her students.  She faithfully goes to nearly all of her students’ events, from theater to track meets.  She was an honorary coach at a Duck football game twice, and in a touching moment recently received a “We Love You Jo”, in sign language, from the track team at a Hayward Field event. When students are doing poorly in their classes, Jo meets with them individually to assist them with their studies.

Outside of the University, Jo serves as a court interpreter in Lane County.  She is also a founding director of CODA, Children of Deaf Adults, an international organization.

Jo receives stellar reviews from students, which are passed along to the University like: “You changed my life”, “I’ll never be the same”, and “I now know what I want to do”.

David says, “In short, then, this is the real qualification for a Hero: If a person changes young lives in a positive way, turning drifting souls into committed citizens and contributors to the civic body, the all of us are saved”.  Jo certainly fits this criteria!    Nominated by: David Butler

Jared Morales

On the evening of March 4, 2008, twenty year old Jared Morales and his mother were driving southbound on state Highway 99 towards Eugene from their home in Junction City.  They saw a two vehicle collision in the distance and stopped to help.

Jared immediately ran to the vehicles.  It was clear that the driver in the first vehicle was deceased.  The second vehicle’s engine compartment was on fire and two individuals were inside, alive, but unconscious.

Jared’s mother was afraid for her son’s life and yelled for Jared to get away from the vehicle because it was on fire.  Jared responded by saying, “I can’t Mom, there are people in here!”

Jared kicked in the vehicle windshield to gain access to the interior.  He then used a knife to cut through the first individual’s seat belt.  Jared was able to remove the first person from the burning vehicle, but the other person was pinned down by the position of the vehicle.  He tried to remove them, but couldn’t.

Fortunately, an unidentified citizen with a small fire extinguisher put out the car fire. Frank, a family friend, states, “Both inhabitants survived the crash as a result of Jared’s quick and selfless actions.”

Jared’s willingness to help strangers is need is an inspiration to us all! 

Nominated by: Frank Moro

Sergeant Ryan Nelson

April 2008 - Sergeant Ryan Nelson was finishing up his shift for the day, when he received an unusual 9-1-1 dispatch call.  Eugene Police, Fire, and EMS units were called to respond to a snake attack at a local pet store.

Sgt. Nelson, along with Fire & EMS, arrived at the scene to find a female employee of the pet store on the ground wrapped tightly by a 12-ft. Burmese Python snake.  The snake was moving in the direction of her neck, constricting as it moved. The woman was in grave danger.

Fearing for the victim’s life, Sgt. Nelson prepared to use a knife to rescue her, but the woman pleaded with him to spare the snake. At great personal risk to himself, Sgt. Nelson attempted the much more difficult task of rescuing the victim without harming the snake. 

Sgt. Nelson used his hands to pry on the snake’s tightly clenched jaw and was able to partially remove the women’s finger.  The snake was still attached to the woman and now had several teeth in Sgt. Nelson’s thumb.  A Fire & EMS responder used a screwdriver to further force open the snake’s mouth, freeing the woman’s finger.

The woman was still wrapped in the snake’s grasp.  Sgt. Nelson put his own squeeze on the snake’s neck and was assisted by Fire & EMS in unwrapping the snake from the woman.  Both the woman and the snake survived. If it were not for Sgt. Nelson’s quick action and courageous willingness to wrestle the snake himself, either the woman or the snake might have lost their life.

Sergeant Nelson’s only experience with snakes before this was catching gardener snakes for his young sons.

Nominated by: Melinda Kletzok and the Eugene Police Department

Janetta Overholser

Janetta’s passion, drive and dedication for animal advocacy are inspirational to colleagues and everyone who knows her.  She was the driving force behind the establishment of the Humane Society of Cottage Grove in 1990.  Since then, Janetta - who serves as president of the non-profit group’s board - has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the organization and tirelessly volunteers her time caring for animals and responding to community calls for assistance.  Also, she performs countless animal rescues each month.

There is little to distinguish what Janetta does officially for the Humane Society and what she does privately, providing respite care for hundreds of cats and kittens. She is legendary for fostering up to 50 felines at a time at her family’s ranch.  Janetta has them vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and socializes them so that the animal is fit to be adopted.  Some strays never overcome the health or social problems that render them unsuitable for placement in a “forever” home.  Janetta continues to provide care and comfort for the cats indefinitely in her own home and at her own expense.

Janetta also works with local police, as well as city and county governments on animal-related policies. She served on Lane County’s Animal Regulation Task Force, which made recommendations to the County Commissioners in the areas of animal licensing, alterations, legal issues, public education, facilities, staffing and funding.

Janetta is the Board Vice President for the Community Veterinary Center, a Eugene non-profit dedicated to providing quality, comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care to the animals of low-income caregivers, reducing animal overpopulation, and promoting responsible animal care through education, preventive medicine, and community outreach.  She also participates in the Overpopulation Crisis Coalition, the Stray Cat Alliance and Animal Welfare Network of Lane County.

Janetta frequently speaks about animal issues at schools and service clubs.  Over the years she has written dozens of letters to local papers and spoken on radio shows urging audiences to foster the humane treatment of animals.    Nominated by: Donna Shepherd

Frank Swanson

Frank Swanson is Betty Swanson’s hero.  Betty, Frank’s wife of 45 years, gushes that Frank has been unwavering in his love, commitment, compassion and total care for her through two major medical situations.

In 1982, Betty had colon cancer. Frank was there for Betty during her illness and months of chemotherapy, radiation and recovery.  Betty states, “By the grace of God and the love of my hero, I’ve been cancer free for over 20 years.”

In 2002, Betty suffered a stroke and a heart attack on a flight to Los Angeles with her daughters.  For three days Betty was in a coma and on life support.  The prognosis was very grim.  The doctors and Frank decided to take Betty off the ventilator.  Frank took a long walk and prayed for his wife’s survival.

When Frank returned to the hospital room there was talking and laughter in the room.  Betty had woken up.  What was the first thing she said?  She asked for a hamburger.  Betty’s doctor said that in all his 35 years of practice, he had never seen such a miraculous recovery.

Betty says that her hero, Frank, was at her hospital bedside continuously for 45 days and nights.

For the past six years, Frank has had complete responsibility for Betty’s care.  He does all the shopping, cooking, cleaning and necessary things to allow them to remain in their home together.

“My beloved hero, Frank, has been wonderful in putting my needs and safety above everything else,” says Betty.  “We are very compassionate with each other.  Every day together we laugh and have joy in our marriage.”    Nominated by: Betty Swanson