The Stepping Strong Hero Award honors individuals who have acted courageously to help others in moments of critical need. These extraordinary people are not first responders by profession—they’re everyday heroes whose selfless actions have made an exceptional difference in someone’s life.
Oftentimes, in a terrible situation, whether it is a mass casualty event or something more commonplace like a car crash, it is the civilians, the everyday strangers on the scene, who make the real difference. That was the experience I had when John Mackie, a bystander, jumped into action to put tourniquets on my legs to try to stop my bleeding—which, in turn, helped save my life.”
Gillian Reny Nardella
Stepping Strong Center Co-Founder
Explore the inspiring stories of previous Stepping Strong heroes:
Tariq Ramsey
Shaun Melendy
We are looking for Good Samaritans whose acts of bravery or quick thinking have directly contributed to saved lives or significantly improved outcomes during emergencies. Nominees might be neighbors, colleagues, friends, or even strangers—people who acted out of pure goodwill and bravery.
Award recipients will be honored at the annual Stepping Strong Marathon Pep Rally and presented with a commemorative award.
Your gift today can transform trauma care and save lives tomorrow.
