The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital is committed to recognizing all of the many deserving children who are able to demonstrate great character in overcoming a challenging obstacle in life. Exceptional young people are honored with a Courage Award at the annual HeartThrob Ball. Each Courage Award recipient has faced overwhelming adversity with the highest degree of bravery, selflessness, determination and courage.
The Courage Award is open to any child in the community who has struggled with difficult medical issues and has risen above the challenge. Anyone may nominate a child by completing a nomination form.
The Courage Award
More than fifty nominations for this year's Courage Awards were received in this annual tradition at Children's Hospital to honor young courageous patients. All the children nominated deserve recognition for their bravery, and narrowing the nominations down to three is a grueling process each year. A special thank you goes to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination.
The Courage Awards are presented at the annual Children's Hospital HeartThrob Ball. This year's event is celebrating its 22nd anniversary and will be held on May 4th at the Cleveland Public Auditorium featuring special guests Chairman Umberto Fedeli, musical group Kool & The Gang and Fox 8's Stefani Schaefer as emcee.
The 2012 Courage Award Honorees:
Jose Dybzinski
Jose Dybzinski, 15, radiates joy despite an array of complicated health problems, including chronic kidney disease, leukemia, renal failure and pancreatic cysts. Jose has written many stories in his journal and wants to write his autobiography. He also loves watching old movies like Jaws, Alien and The Towering Inferno.
Gabrielle Boylan
Nineteen-year-old Gabrielle Boylan, who goes by Gabe, has attended the Lerner School at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism since she was 12. She has mental retardation and kidney, orthopaedic and behavioral issues. She’s a social, fun-loving teenager who readily compliments her friends and acquaintances.
Jaime Bradford
Within 72 hours of admission to Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and being placed on life support, Jaime Bradford received a heart and double lung transplant. She used to become breathless just playing her guitar. Now, the 17-year-old goes mall-walking like any other teen.
