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Announcing the 2025 Health Care Heroes finalists

By Staff Report, posted Nov 10, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

It’s time yet again to honor the health care workforce keeping our communities safe and healthy!
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s third annual Health Care Heroes event continues its mission to recognize the individuals who exemplify dedication, compassion and leadership in the medical field.
After the success of our inaugural celebration in 2023 and an even stronger show of support in 2024, we are proud to return for year three!
This year’s ceremony will once again highlight the exceptional service of health care professionals across the Fayetteville MSA, featuring finalists in eight categories and the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Shelton Stuart, a renowned maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Cape Fear Valley Perinatology, who dedicated more than 20 years to providing exceptional high-risk obstetric care, touching the lives of multiple generations of patients. 
We are grateful for the overwhelming response and heartfelt nominations submitted by colleagues, patients and community members. This year, we received over 70 nominations and each one reflected the deep respect and admiration our community holds for its health care providers.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Health Care Heroes event taking place on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden! We’ve ordered the awards and even have a gift for finalists of previous years. We’ll see you there! 

-Faith Hatton, Associate Publisher & Editor

About The Judging

Greater Fayetteville Business Journal opened up the nomination process to the community for its 2025 Health Care Heroes awards in August.
Our outside judging panel worked diligently to choose the finalists and ultimately the winners in each of the nine categories including the lifetime achievement award.
Our judges were fair and objective, disclosed any potential conflicts of interest and really went to bat for their nominees, while also doing their best to choose who they believed were the best finalists and winners for the awards.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

MICHAEL NAGOWSKI, CEO OF CAPE FEAR VALLEY HEALTH

“Cape Fear Valley Health is a proud sponsor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes awards. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the health care heroes, our own Cape Fear Valley Health teammates and every health care colleague across our region, who dedicate themselves to caring for others. It truly takes all of us working together to keep our communities healthy and strong. On behalf of Cape Fear Valley Health, thank you for the compassion, commitment and excellence you bring to this calling every day.”

SUZANNE BLUM MALLEY, PH.D., PROVOST OF METHODIST UNIVERSITY

“As we get closer and closer to 2026 and opening the doors of the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine – which will positively impact health care outcomes in southeastern N.C. for decades to come – we are reminded daily of the expertise and care already provided in our community by so many. MU has graduated hundreds of health care professionals, some having been recognized at these awards, and we see it as a great honor to be a Presenting Sponsor once again this year as we salute your efforts with our sincere gratitude."

HEALTH CARE HEROES: COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT
HONORS AN INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM WHO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED A PROGRAM ADDRESSING A PROBLEM IN HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION, DELIVERY OR COMMUNITY OUTREACH.

BETTER HEALTH OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY TEAM
TITLE: Community-Based Organization
ORGANIZATION: Better Health of Cumberland County
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: As a proud board member of Better Health of Cumberland County, I am honored to nominate the entire team for the Community Achievement Health Care Hero Award. Their unwavering dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes in our community is nothing short of heroic.

Better Health’s approach is collaborative, community-driven and grounded in compassion. Their most transformative programs include the Take Charge of Diabetes initiative, a free, seven-week course that equips participants with the tools and knowledge to manage their diabetes through education on medication, nutrition, blood sugar monitoring and lifestyle changes, and the Fayfit program, a collaborative effort between Better Health, area pediatricians and Cumberland County Parks and Recreation to prevent and manage childhood obesity.
The Bragg Boulevard flagship clinic serves 120 clients per month on average through emergency medical assistance, free medical supplies and short-term medical equipment loans.

SCOTT CAMERON
TITLE: President and Chaplain at Friendship House
ORGANIZATION: Friendship House Fayetteville and Friendship Community Gardens
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: The concept of Friendship House was brought to Fayetteville by Scott, who was inspired through his life experiences including his medical practice, volunteering, ministry and living with a roommate with Down syndrome.
Scott is now an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, serves as Chaplain for Friendship House and works with Friendship Community Gardens.
Working together is a number of supporting partners and organizations, including Employment Source which operates the Friendship House campus.
Friendship House’s impact is transformative for both students/professionals and friend residents. As a pathway to independent living, rehabilitation staff support friend residents in achieving sustainable employment while helping them develop independent living skills. Additionally, college students/professionals serve as mentors, gaining greater awareness and empathy for community living and its relevance to their professional careers.

TARA TUCKER
TITLE: Community Paramedic
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Mobile Integrated Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Tara Tucker saw a gap in care for people who are unhoused, uninsured or struggling with behavioral health and substance use needs. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve it, she partnered with others to create a community outreach program that now supports hundreds of people every month.
Tara launched the partnership between Cape Fear Valley Health’s Community Paramedics, Behavioral Health team and Kingdom Impact Ministries and has brought in more than 34 community partners to offer on-site services—health screenings, resource navigation, harm-reduction support, clothing, hygiene items and more.
The program is a team effort championed by Tara’s idea and passion. The monthly event even includes a hot meal, coordinated through rotating volunteer groups and donors. No barriers, no paperwork first, no judgment—just help when it’s needed.
Two years in, this outreach has become a dependable lifeline. Due to the team and partners, the program continues with consistency and compassion.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: INNOVATION
HONORS AN INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM BEHIND A NEW SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY, PROCEDURE, TREATMENT OR DEVICE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES OR IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER PAD
TITLE: Hospital Expansion
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health 
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: When the health system built the expansion to the Valley Pavilion, it added not one, but two helipads to the roof. These helipads allow patients to be taken by elevator directly into the hospital’s emergency department, Heart and Vascular Center, ICU or operating room. Previously, the hospital’s helipad was located on the front lawn, which required longer transport times for patients.

One of the new helipads is specifically designed to accommodate Black Hawk helicopters from the nearby military base. Not many hospitals can say that. History was made on Jan. 8 when a Black Hawk helicopter landed with a crew from 3-82nd General Support Aviation Battalion, "All American Dustoff," on top of the Valley Pavilion at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center as part of an exercise to practice landing on the roof.

FIRSTHEALTH LUNG BUS
TITLE: Mobile Imaging Unit
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth of the Carolinas
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: For patients who face barriers to transportation or live in rural areas, FirstHealth is meeting them where they are—literally. The Lung Bus, a mobile imaging unit equipped with a 40-slice low-dose CT scanner, travels throughout the region, including Hoke, Cumberland and Harnett counties to bring life-saving lung cancer screenings into communities.

Made possible by the generous support of the Foundation of FirstHealth, the Lung Bus has already screened hundreds of patients, with multiple lung nodules detected early thanks to this effort.
Thanks to the generosity of a lung bus grant there is currently no charge for patients and no insurance is needed. Costs are covered by the Foundation of FirstHealth and Pinehurst Radiology group and a grant has been submitted to the Lung Cancer Initiative to support future funding. To date, 10 lives have been saved from free screenings on the bus since March 24.

MARK ROSE
TITLE: Manager Simulation Operations
ORGANIZATION: CFVH Simulation Center
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Mark Rose is the person who brought the SimLab at Cape Fear Valley Health into being. Before his work, it was not much to speak of. Now it is an award-winning SimLab that serves learners beyond just those at Cape Fear Valley Health. His dedication to this project and commitment to excellence is apparent any time he is speaking about the lab's capabilities or the specific training sessions that he and his team design to
meet the needs of providers and educators.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVE

HONORS AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE JOB PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PEOPLE WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS, PEERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

SUSAN DEES
TITLE: Chief Nurse Executive
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Susan Dees has been with Cape Fear Valley Health since 1990 and was promoted to Chief Nurse Executive in December 2024, now leading nursing across the health system. Her career in healthcare was inspired by a high school babysitting job that shifted her path from coaching to nursing. Susan’s career has spanned roles from assistant PCM in PACU to leadership positions such as director of surgery, director of patient flow and CNO of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Her leadership is rooted in providing safe, exceptional care while uplifting bedside caregivers. She defines excellent care as an experience that addresses both physical and emotional needs, empowering patients in their healthcare journey.

NELSON T. MORRIS
TITLE: Chief Operating Officer
ORGANIZATION: KidzCare Pediatrics PC
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: The KidzCare team and I have witnessed firsthand Nelson’s vision, determination, his amazing leadership and commitment to both the patient care and the organizational care.
Nelson is a leader who truly cares for his team, not just on a business/ professional level, but on a personal one too. He always goes out of his way to make sure the staff feels supported and valued. He consistently goes above and beyond whether it is going through a business challenge or helping team members with family emergencies.
When I joined KidzCare as a young 20 year old with no experience, Nelson and his team believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow that I never even thought were possible. Nelson still to this day invests his time in teaching his team and I not only about business but also valuable life skills that will always stay with me. My favorite thing Nelson has taught me is the "Elevator Speech.” He truly makes a positive mark on whoever is in his life.

PHILL WOOD
TITLE: Chief Digital and Information Officer
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID:
Phill has been with Cape Fear Valley since 2003 and became CIO in 2012. He has led the implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions like EPIC for electronic health records, improving healthcare efficiency. Phill’s dedication to innovation earned Cape Fear Valley recognition as one of the "Most Wired" healthcare systems. In the age of cyber threats and highly technological devices throughout the healthcare system, Phill's team keeps patients safe and makes a lot of the computer-related clinical work possible. It is a job that requires 24/7 responsiveness and attention. 

HEALTH CARE HEROES: NURSE

HONORS A NURSE WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, PEERS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

AMANDA LEE
TITLE: Emergency Department Nurse
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital - Hoke
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: 
Amanda has been with FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke since the campus first opened in 2013 as the first hospital in Hoke County. She has devoted more than 20 years to nursing. Her career spans multiple specialties, including cardiac stepdown and inpatient medical-surgical care, but for the past 13 years she has been the heart of the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Hoke emergency department.

With kindness, compassion, grit and unwavering dedication, Amanda has been an integral part of the ED’s growth and success. For years, she has led the team as a charge nurse, guiding them to excellence. Because of her commitment and leadership, the ED has consistently achieved best-in-the-nation performance benchmarks, including sustaining patient satisfaction scores in the top 10th percentile of emergency departments nationwide.
Amanda has touched and saved thousands of lives over her career as a nurse. She has delivered babies, comforted families and wiped away tears when a loved one passes on. Through every moment—whether joyous or tragic—Amanda has shown the true meaning of compassion in nursing.

MARY HENRICKSON
TITLE: Patient Care Manager
ORGANIZATION: Highsmith Rainey Specialty Hospital, CFVH
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Mary has shown exemplary care and service to our surgical patients over the years as well as to the staff who work with her. She leads staff in providing holistic care that helps us to connect with our patients and their families during their surgery experience. Having a leader like Mary really brings our team together while we stay committed to centering care around the patient and their loved ones. Comments like “working manager, servant leader and patience of a saint” are used to describe Mary. Her empathetic nature and kindness not only help our patients, but these qualities rub off on the staff.
What truly sets Mary apart is her ability to find solutions and stay calm under pressure. While we are expected to function at 100% as a team, she is not judgmental, does not criticize weaknesses, but comes alongside us with encouragement. Her leadership is not just effective but consistent and inspiring.

RACHEL THURNHER
TITLE: NODA Coordinator and Cardiac Nurse Educator
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: In February 2025, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center introduced a new volunteer program focused on comforting dying inpatients who do not have family or other loved ones who can be there. Death has no timeline, and while individuals can do their best to prepare themselves and their families for the inevitable, it is ultimately something out of our control. When the time comes, it is soothing to be in the presence of someone caring and compassionate. Rachel is the reason that we have the No One Dies Alone (NODA) program at the hospital now, and she's championed this program from idea to reality. She is very passionate about the NODA program and how it can help patients at the end of their lives.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: NP/PA

HONORS A NURSE PRACTITIONER OR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, PEERS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

KELLIE BRITT
TITLE: Hospice Nurse Practitioner, Hospice Director 

ORGANIZATION: HealthKeeperz
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Kellie Britt has been with HealthKeeperz a total of seven years, serving as the director of hospice since January 2024. Kellie exemplifies leadership through compassion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She is a true advocate for her team, patients and families, ensuring that everyone she encounters feels valued and supported.

Her approach to leadership is defined by patience, encouragement and a cheerful demeanor, fostering a positive environment for both employees and the individuals they serve.

Kellie’s drive for excellence is evident in her efforts to rebuild and strengthen the hospice program. Despite challenges, she exceeded census goals and reestablished a high-performing team, demonstrating her ability to lead with vision and resilience. No matter the situation, she takes initiative, addresses concerns head-on and implements strategies to drive continuous improvement.
Her sense of ownership is unmatched—leading by example, she worked alongside her team during critical transitions, ensuring that patients received exceptional care. Kellie’s hands-on approach reassures both staff and families that they are in capable and compassionate hands.

HOPE COLE
TITLE: Physician Assistant

ORGANIZATION: Sandhills Emergency Physicians/FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital - Hoke
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID:
Hope Cole is the very definition of a Health Care Hero with more than a decade of experience in emergency medicine across greater Fayetteville-area emergency departments. Hope brings unmatched expertise, tenacity and heart to the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke emergency department every day.
On one occasion, in the middle of the night, she left her husband and two small children at home to respond when the ED was overwhelmed with patients. She did so, not because she was scheduled, but because she knew her community needed her.

Hope is a force of nature. She pours her energy, compassion and skill into every patient encounter, treating each person as if they were her own family experiencing the scariest day of their life. She engages patients and families with empathy and urgency, ensuring care is timely, thorough and excellent. At the same time, she inspires those around her with humor, teaching moments and a steadfast expectation of excellence from her colleagues.

TRAVIS ROSS
TITLE: Physician Assistant
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth Family Medicine - EliteCare
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID:
Travis Ross is a native of Fayetteville and he has a passion for providing health care to members of the community as well as serving his community outside of his profession.

Several of his patients have noted that he is always on top of his game and very knowledgeable. They trust him and are very confident in the care he provides. “Travis is truly a magnificent care provider,” states his patient.

After graduating from UNC-Pembroke as a physician assistant, he returned to Fayetteville to work with Robert Ferguson, M.D., in Hope Mills. In 2014, Ross acquired the practice from Dr. Ferguson, and it became EliteCare of Fayetteville, Urgent Care & Family Clinic. He joined FirstHealth on April 1, 2025, and the practice became FirstHealth Family Medicine – EliteCare. With nearly two decades of experience in patient care, Ross remains committed to providing high-quality medical services to the community and has stated he is thrilled to be part of an organization that prioritizes patient care and experience.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: PHYSICIAN

HONORS A PHYSICIAN WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, PEERS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

JUDIT ANDREA COPE
TITLE: Medical Doctor of Interventional Spine & Pain Specialist
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Interventional Pain Specialists
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID:
Dr. Cope shows care for all of her patients and staff. She is compassionate in what she does as a provider, and treats all of her patients with respect and dignity no matter what he or she is being seen for. Dr. Cope always goes above and beyond to make sure her patients are seen within a timely manner even if she has to stay over. She makes sure to build a doctor-patient relationship with all of her patients and their family members if needed. Many of her patients have followed her from her previous practice because they have the utmost trust within her only for their care. Dr. Cope is hands down the best provider I have yet to encounter within my professional career.

MICHAEL C. HODGES
TITLE: Medical Doctor

ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Cardiology Associates

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Doctor Hodges is readily available, many patients have his personal phone number, he will find time to see you, often that day. My GP ran a routine EKG, and was seriously concerned with the results. I asked him to contact Dr. Hodges. He quickly responded and I was able to see him that afternoon, where he ran tests and reassured me that the concern was well in hand. Dr. Hodges is a remarkable individual. He is personable and professional. His organizational skills are amazing, zero wait time. He demonstrates empathy as he intently takes time to listen. His time is yours, a rare trait these days.

STEPHEN H. KOUBA
TITLE: Orthopedic Doctor 

ORGANIZATION: Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Dr. Kouba attended Rutgers College, served in the Army and received his medical degree from Georgetown University of Medicine. He started his practice, Cape Fear Orthopedic, in 1988 and was there for 30 years. Dr. Kouba is an outstanding doctor and humanitarian. He is on staff at Cape Fear Valley Orthopedic. He is also on staff at Methodist University’s Physician Assistant Program where he teaches a class on cadaver and orthopedic anatomy. Dr. Kouba's daughter, Jessica Kouba, graduated from the Methodist University Physician Assistant program and practices locally. The amount of collaboration that Dr. Kouba and his daughter Jessica do together provides excellent care for our community residents.

Dr. Kouba has volunteered at The Care Clinic for orthopedic care. He is a quality doctor and fine man.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: UNSUNG HEROES
HONORS ANYONE WORKING IN HEALTH CARE WHO MAY NOT FIT INTO THE OTHER CATEGORIES HIGHLIGHTED IN HEALTH CARE HEROES, AND INCLUDES ANYONE IN THE FIELD WHOSE PERFORMANCE IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PATIENTS, COLLEAGUES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

STEPHEN M. DELELLIS
TITLE: Senior Technical Advisor and Director
ORGANIZATION: Fort Bragg Research Institute, The Geneva Foundation
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: LTC (RET) DeLellis served the Department of Defense for over 36 years active duty to include 31 years with Army Special Operations. The latter included 20 years with Delta Force, half as a team sergeant, team member and operator, and the other half as a physician assistant. He finished out his career as deputy command surgeon for US Army Special Operations Command.
Steve founded the Special Mission Units Family Medicine Clinic at Womack Army Medical Center to meet the unique needs of Special Forces family members. He also has been extremely active in medical research. He previously managed the longest continuously funded traumatic brain injury (TBI) project in Department of Defense history. Mr. DeLellis has multiple advanced certifications in various disciplines to include family medicine, emergency medicine, acupuncture, advanced wilderness life support and chemical and biologic casualty and he was inducted into the Special Operations Forces Medical Hall of Honor in 2024.

SHELBY YOW-HAYES
TITLE: Director of Imaging - Hoke Campus
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth of the Carolinas
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Shelby has served as the leader of imaging at MRH-Hoke since its opening on Oct. 7, 2013, bringing more than 30 years of health care experience to the role. Prior, she held roles as a CT and X-ray technician, clinical instructor at Sandhills Community College and clinic and occupational health clinic manager. Shelby’s famous words when asked about any challenge are, “we’ll make it happen.” And make it happen she always does in a collaborative and unassuming way.
Under Shelby’s leadership, MRH-Hoke has experienced tremendous growth and success in the imaging department. She is always willing to fill in and do any task when needed from answering the phone to taking radiographs or taking patients back to the emergency department. She is helpful when any problem arises and tries to fix the problem instead of assessing blame. I can't think of a time when I had a question about something at Hoke that Shelby wasn't already aware of the situation and working on its resolution.

ROSETTA MCCAA
TITLE: Associate Quality Coordinator
ORGANIZATION: KidzCare Pediatrics
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: Rosetta has been a part of KidzCare since its inception in 2003. She has filled many roles in that time, including high level management. She consistently performs with excellence in whatever task to which she is appointed. Her long years of service to the organization have made the care of countless patients possible and helped build KidzCare into an organization which takes care of tens of thousands of children across
the state of North Carolina. I nominate Rosetta McCaa for longevity, wisdom and exceptional professional performance.

HEALTH CARE HEROES: VOLUNTEER
HONORS A VOLUNTEER AT A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR OTHER HEALTH-RELATED ORGANIZATION WHO IS CONSIDERED EXEMPLARY BY PEOPLE WITHIN THOSE ORGANIZATIONS.

CARING HEARTS FOR CANINES
TITLE: Partner Volunteer Organization
ORGANIZATION: FirstHealth of the Carolinas
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: By late 2024, FirstHealth’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) faced major leadership changes, decreased participation and disorganization. To rebuild, Trey Tippens, Psy.D., medical director for provider well-being, was brought in to help revitalize the program. The EAP was rebranded under the Reid Center for Well-Being and began rebuilding staff engagement. During this process, Trey and a staff member with a therapy dog began hospital visits, which proved extremely popular. Recognizing the high demand, the Well-Being team partnered with Caring Hearts for Canines, a nonprofit rescue that promotes canine welfare and adoption. Together, they organized “puppy therapy” sessions, allowing employees to interact with and adopt dogs. The initial event’s success led to monthly visits across all FirstHealth hospitals, including special sessions for night-shift staff. The partnership resulted in adoptions, new volunteers and increased employee morale. Caring Hearts for Canines’ dedication and collaboration made the program a success, and we wholeheartedly nominate Caring Hearts for Canines for the Volunteer, Health Care Hero Award.

CATHY WILT AND THE "PINK LADIES"
TITLE: Volunteer Organization
ORGANIZATION: CFVH Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID:
Cathy Wilt is a volunteer at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center and is one of the center’s “Pink Ladies.”
She volunteers at the Cancer Center on Tuesday afternoons, with the human resources office on Thursday mornings and with hospice patients on Fridays. She also serves as treasurer for the volunteer auxiliary board, keeping track of the funds the volunteers help raise for equipment, projects and building expansions. 
The name “Pink Ladies,” was coined when the Fayetteville Woman’s Club first sponsored a volunteer auxiliary for the then-new Cape Fear Valley Hospital. Pink Ladies has been an endearing and long-used term, and their bright fuchsia-hued blouses help make them immediately recognizable. The term could seem a bit old-fashioned considering the significant work being done by the health system’s team of volunteers — made up of diverse men and women who have varied and impressive backgrounds. They help throughout Cape Fear Valley Health in a variety of areas, including pediatrics, behavioral health and the Blood Donor Center.

TOMMY SINGLETON
TITLE: Volunteer
ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Valley Health
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID:
Tommy Singleton exemplifies the heart of service that defines a true Health Care Hero. Before retiring, Tommy dedicated his career to leadership and service in the U.S.

Army, where he served as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. After experiencing his own health challenges, including surviving two types of cancer and a heart attack, Tommy chose to continue his life of service in a new way: as a volunteer at Cape Fear Valley Health.
Volunteering in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Tommy became a beacon of encouragement and kindness for both patients and staff. He understood firsthand what it felt like to walk through recovery and made it his mission to brighten the day of everyone he encountered.
Through his warmth, humility and unwavering kindness, Tommy Singleton has made a lasting difference at Cape Fear Valley Health. His journey from patient to volunteer is a powerful testament to resilience, gratitude and the healing that comes from serving others.

The winners of our third annual Health Care Heroes Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Nov. 13.

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