LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2024 — On Thursday, May 16, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region honored 16 people for their acts of heroism and humanitarian service at the 19th Annual Hometown Heroes awards luncheon, held at the Carson Center in Carson, CA. The 200 people in attendance included honored Heroes, their families, the people they saved and elected officials, along with Red Cross staff and community supporters.

SEE: Photos of the 2024 Hometown Hero Awards Honorees (Flickr)

For 19 years, the Red Cross has celebrated its Hometown Heroes – everyday citizens who through their heroic actions, made a positive difference in their communities through acts in either emergency response, disaster preparedness and prevention or exemplified the Red Cross mission in similar ways. 

The heroes honored represent good Samaritans from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, who all shared the courage to jump in and help when lives were in danger. Heroes like 15-year-old Madison Atkinson, who used her CPR training to save a drowning toddler, and mother and daughter Vesta and Nathalie Sung, who swapped their Maui tourist status to that of disaster responders.

"These heroic Angelenos embody the Red Cross mission, weaving their courage into the fabric of our communities,” said Amy Papageorges, executive director for the American Red Cross Greater Long Beach and South Bay Chapter. “With each life saved, these humanitarians showed extraordinary compassion and selflessness. Their actions speak volumes, demonstrating our community’s finest virtues."

The awardees:

Ariel Castro – works in Pomona, resides in San Bernardino

Ariel Castro, athletic trainer at Ganesha High School, demonstrated life-saving skills when Coach Cayer collapsed during a football game. Utilizing CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) training, Ariel's quick actions saved the coach’s life.

Madison Atkinson – Northridge resident

Madison Atkinson, 15, showed incredible bravery by using CPR to save her 3-year-old family member from drowning. Her swift action and composure underscored the importance of CPR training.

Nicole Morris – West Hills resident

While on vacation with her husband and three children, Nicole Morris came to a family’s aid following a near-downing incident. Her intuition and compassion supported the family during the crisis.

Raheem Morris – West Hills resident

Raheem Morris, vacationing with his family in Las Vegas, sprang into action during a poolside emergency. His quick actions helped save a drowning child’s life.

Dr. Andrew Oleksyn – Chicago, IL resident

When a child was pulled from a Las Vegas hotel pool blue in the face from a near-drowning incident, emergency room physician Dr. Andrew Oleksyn stepped in to help with CPR chest compressions and administer AED treatment.

Vesta Sung – Manhattan Beach resident

During her Maui vacation, Red Cross volunteer Vesta Sung and daughter Nathalie were confronted by a historic wildfire. Within hours, the duo swapped their swimsuits for shelter associate vests, stepping up to aid residents fleeing the flames.

Nathalie Sung – Irvine resident

While vacationing with her mother in Maui, Nathalie Sung had her holiday plans thwarted when Lahaina was consumed by a historic wildfire. Within hours, along with her mother, Nathalie was supporting a Red Cross shelter, where her leadership helped hundreds of displaced individuals, and earned local recognition.

Officer Cody MacArthur – Simi Valley resident

Cody MacArthur displayed extraordinary bravery when he and his partner Nicholas Chacon rescued a family from a burning vehicle. Despite perilous conditions, his selflessness and quick actions saved lives, embodying true heroism.

Officer Nicolas Chacon – Simi Valley resident

Following a 14-hour work shift, Nicolas Chacon and his partner Cody MacArthur rushed to the aid of a family trapped in a burning car following an accident. His bravery and humanitarian compassion saved lives that day.

Dr. Ryan Chiu – Resides and practices in Long Beach

Cardiac surgeon Dr. Ryan Chiu's brunch outing turned into a life-saving moment near the Long Beach Art Museum when he aided a runner’s collapse. Dr. Chiu's swift actions followed by successful heart surgery ensured the runner's recovery and exemplified his commitment to humanitarian service.

Officer Andrew Gazdik – Downey resident

Andrew Gazdik performed a successful Heimlich maneuver to save his wife’s grandfather from choking incident.

Retired Officer Jorge Grajeda – Eagle, ID resident

Jorge Grajeda's quick response helped save a child’s life following a near drowning incident. Initiating CPR and coordinating with others, he ensured timely medical attention, exemplifying selflessness and courage.

Reverend Rudy Paniagua – Irvine resident

While enjoying the Palm Club Pool in Irvine, Reverend Rudy Paniagua pulled a drowning child from the pool, then coordinated with fellow hero Jorge Grajeda to see ensure the child received emergency medical support.

Victor Manuel – Works in Lakewood

Victor Montes along with co-worker Nabeel Karadsheh, acted quickly when a school crossing guard was faced with a life-threatening injury following a two-car collision in the intersection where he worked. Applying a tourniquet and calling 9-1-1, the team’s swift response emphasizes the importance of community readiness.

Nabeel Karadsheh – Works in Lakewood

When a school crossing guard was seriously injured by a car collision, Nabeel Karadsheh and his co-worker Victor Montes improvised aid until professional medical support arrived. The car wash employee's rapid actions and courage save a life.

Lynda Palmer – Los Angeles resident

Lynda Palmer's dedication to serving others shines as a Red Cross volunteer, supporting armed forces personnel and their families. Her past military service reflects her commitment and compassion to making a lasting impact on people’s lives.

The Hometown Heroes awards luncheon is made possible by the generosity of sponsors, including California Resources Corporation, Capital Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Marathon Petroleum, Air Products, The Walt Disney Company, Southern California Edison International, Bank of America, Toyota TABC, Westfield, 24-Hour Home Care, Atkinson Andelson Loya Ruud & Romo, Bragg Companies, Port of Long Beach, Total-Western, Watson Land Company and Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.