Kevin Clifford/Nevada Appeal
A Carson City woman who donated a kidney to a co-worker was honored twice Thursday morning during a breakfast for everyday heroes hosted by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Christine Bradley received an award during the Reno event in the category of Unsung Hero, and she was honored again when she received the award for Hero of the Year.
In August, Bradley underwent surgery to donate a kidney to co-worker and passing acquaintance Judy Williams, both employed with the Department of Motor Vehicles in Carson City.
Williams, who was suffering from kidney failure and whose only chance of survival was a transplant, nominated Bradley for the award in February, saying: "Christine is the most giving and caring person I know. One day she showed up at my desk at work and told me she wanted to be tested to see if she could be my donor. Her offer to give her kidney to someone she hardly knew was amazing, and for her to be a match was truly a miracle. She will always hold a special place in my heart and in my life."
"I'm shocked. I can't even think right now. I'm so overwhelmed," Bradley said immediately after her win.
Williams said her new friend was immortalized on two Wheaties boxes presented to her by the Red Cross.
"It was so great. We were all crying and happy for her," said Williams who was among 14 other Bradley supporters who attended the breakfast. "We were pretty sure that she had won in her category, but we were all surprised that she won (Hero of the Year)."
Bradley said she never second guessed her decision to donate a kidney to Williams. Nor did she fret about whether or not she'd be a match.
"I knew from day one that this was meant to be," she said.
Williams said the fact that the two co-workers were a match was almost as unbelievable as Bradley's unfettered participation.
"The chances of her being a (suitable match) is a miracle," Williams said. "I can't even begin to thank her. There are no words."
Monica Myles of the Red Cross said a committee decided Bradley's sacrifice was deserving of their highest honor.
"Christine really embodied the spirit of the Red Cross and was worthy of being Hero of the Year," Myles said.
Names of others recognized Thursday morning in Reno during the Real Heroes Breakfast hosted by the Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross:
Debbie Frievalt
Captain Barry Hagan
Pat Fried
F.A.O. Daryl Muzzi
Connie Nowlin
Janet Pahl
Sharon Collins
Lin O'Kelley
Kashae Felix
Jayme Graney
Pat Laizans
Kathie Lloyd
April Mayville
Julianne Medley
Carol Cook
Linda Ferguson
Jason Goodknight
Michael Redmon
Angie McEvers
Monica Sanchez
Melinda Gorney
Niccole Anderson
Maria Castaneda
Norm Dianda
Contractors Auxiliary
Carson Valley Community Food Closet
Mardi Lester
Rita Hill
Doug and Kim Russell
Raley's Supermarket - Gardnerville
Rebecca Rund
Mikaela Woodhead
Ashlee Smith
Jared Blue
Cassady O'Neal
Ian Hill
Alex Drossulis
Symantha DeVoss
Greg Hart
In addition to individuals, the Red Cross honored those businesses and public safety organizations that responded to the Fernley Floods.
Red Cross Real Heroes 2008 winners:
Unsung Hero
Christine Bradley
Animal Rescue Hero
F.A.O. Daryl Muzzi
Adult Community Hero
Kashae Felix
Medical Rescue Hero
Angie McEvers
Community Hero
Norm Dianda and the Contractors Auxiliary
Youth Heroes
Mikaela Woodhead
Ashlee Smith
Aquatics Heroes
Sparks Lifeguard Team - Jared Blue, Alexander Drossulis, Cassady O'Neal, Harrison Davis, Iain Hill and John Peterson.
Fernley Community Hero
Greg Hart
Hero of the Year
Christine Bradley
In addition to individuals, the Red Cross honored those businesses and public safety organizations that responded to the Fernley Floods.