SAN DIEGO (October 7, 2026) – Last week, the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties honored ordinary people with extraordinary courage at its 24th Annual Real Heroes Awards aboard the USS Midway Museum. Over 280 attendees were present on Friday, October 2 to celebrate local lifesavers and difference makers at the Real Heroes Awards.

The event serves as the largest fundraising event for the Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties and raised over $194,500 for the organization.

To see videos highlighting each winner, click here. To view and download photos from the event, click here.

2026 Real Heroes Honorees:

Good Samaritan Hero: Amorous Blackman – Honored Posthumously (Murrieta, Calif.)

Amorous Blackman demonstrated remarkable bravery when she stopped to assist at a serious freeway crash and rescued a man from a burning vehicle. Despite the danger to herself, she provided first aid, comforted the injured victim and remained on scene until emergency responders arrived. Her selfless actions and quick thinking helped save a life and serve as an inspiring example of compassion in action.

Youth Hero: Nicole Hank (San Diego, Calif.)

At just 18 years old, Nicole Hank demonstrated extraordinary courage and compassion when she intervened to prevent a woman from committing suicide on the side of the road. Nicole safely restrained the woman, calmed her during a mental health crisis and stayed by her side until police arrived. Her quick actions, empathy, and determination helped protect a life when it was needed most.

Service to the Armed Forces Hero: Selah Marting (San Diego, Calif.)

For the past ten years, Selah Marting has dedicated her career to supporting veterans and active-duty service members through Paws for Purple Hearts. As Senior Program Instructor, she has led canine-assisted therapy programs that help military personnel navigate challenges such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and mobility limitations while fostering healing, confidence and connection. Through her leadership in therapy, outreach and service dog training, Selah has positively impacted thousands of warriors and their families, making a lasting difference in the military community.

Gift of Life Hero: San Diego State University (San Diego, Calif.)

San Diego State University (SDSU) has spent nearly a decade partnering with the American Red Cross through its annual Aztecs for Life Blood Drive, which has become California’s largest one-day collegiate blood drive. Since its inception, the drive has collected over 2,700 units of blood, helping thousands of patients in need of lifesaving transfusions. Through strong campus-wide participation and outreach, SDSU has fostered a lasting culture of service and generosity.

Disaster Services Hero: San Diego Gas & Electric’s Fire Safety Goats (San Diego, Calif.)

San Diego Gas & Electric’s Fire Safety Goats have become a unique and effective force in wildfire prevention throughout San Diego County. Since 2021, these goats have helped reduce fire risk by clearing dry vegetation in difficult terrain - creating natural fire breaks and protecting communities, infrastructure and natural habitats. Their work also promotes environmental sustainability while engaging residents in wildfire preparedness and safety education.

Animal Welfare Hero: Michelle Cohn (San Diego, Calif.)

Michelle Cohn has devoted more than a decade to improving the lives of animals and people through her work with the San Diego Humane Society. With over 25,000 volunteer hours and more than 400 foster animals cared for, she has helped save hundreds of vulnerable animals while inspiring others to foster, adopt and volunteer. Her innovative outreach efforts, including therapy puppy visits for first responders, have strengthened both animal welfare and community well-being.

First Responder Hero: José Almaraz Macias (Lemon Grove, Calif.)

San Diego County Sheriff's Office Deputy José Almaraz Macias displayed extraordinary courage and professionalism when he encountered a stabbing victim suffering from life-threatening injuries. He quickly applied a tourniquet and provided lifesaving care while managing a dangerous scene until medical personnel arrived. His heroic actions are credited with saving the victim’s life. He later assisted in the successful apprehension of the suspect, exemplifying true dedication to public safety.

Corporate Hero: Hunter Industries (San Marcos, Calif.)

For more than four decades, Hunter Industries has demonstrated that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand. Guided by two of its core values, Family and Social Responsibility, the San Marcos based, family-owned company invests in the communities where its employees live and work through charitable giving, volunteerism, product donations, and nonprofit partnerships. Hunter also integrates sustainability into its products and operations, developing solutions that conserve water and energy while working to reduce waste and environmental impact. Through its Community Impact Grant program and employee-led initiatives, Hunter has consistently supported the American Red Cross with both sustaining and disaster relief funding, helping to create stronger, more resilient communities.

This year’s Real Heroes Awards is made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including Hometown Hero Sponsor Sycuan Casino Resort; Humanitarian Sponsor Falck; Regional Sponsor U.S. Bank; Presenting Sponsors Amazon, Paula and Michael Downey, Kaiser Permanente, Mission Fed Credit Union, Pack Foundation and San Diego City Firefighters Local 145, as well as other local sponsors.

Real Heroes Awards nominations are submitted by the public and are chosen by a selection committee based on the extent to which nominees embody the spirit and mission of the Red Cross. Real Heroes nominations are accepted year-round at redcross.org/SanDiego/RealHeroes.

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/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with the Southern California Region on X , Instagram, YouTube or Facebook.

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