The Stevie Patrick Legacy of Love Award was created to honor a special caregiver, medical professional or supporter. The Legacy of Love award is easily defined by actions of integrity, encouragement, determination, and serving others, especially those in need. This deserving person must be a leader each day and also have the courage to smile in the midst of adversity. Here are the Legacy of Love recipients from the 3rd Annual Head for the Cure 5K – Orlando:
Legacy of Love Recipient: David Hilliard
Nominated By: Dr. Nick Avgeropoulos
“David an
d I have known each other since 2008 at which time
we met because his beloved wife Denise was undergoing treatment for a
malignant brain tumor. We worked together as a team and in 2015 Denise
passed away with the unwavering support of her husband David. The story is
far more complicated than this, however. In 2008, his daughter Jennifer was
also diagnosed and treated with a malignant brain tumor in an almost
identical fashion to her mother. For a while, we had same day visits and
ongoing assessment and management visits for everyone. To this day,
Jennifer’s dad David, comes to every one of her visits and gently and kindly
advocates for her with tenacity and veracity. In my eyes, he is nothing
short of a hero and a brilliant example of a staunch advocate. David is
exemplary of the dauntless, unfettered and unrelenting pinnacle of love
caring for people he loves fighting against brain cancer on so many levels.”
Legacy of Love Recipient: Michelle Mulcahy
Nominated By: Jason Mulcahy
“My amazing wife, Michelle, despite her own ailments, has pushed me to be who
I am today. The days when I didn’t have the strength to push through, she
has always been there to give me the boost I needed. She is one of the most
selfless, caring and empathetic individuals I know. Michelle is always
willing to lend a hand or tackle a task when ask to do so. “I can’t”
is not in her vocabulary. She is the glue to our family and brings smiles to
all that she meets. She is also the most talented Optune array changer I
know.
On top of being my caregiver through my cancer journey, she works full time
and is doing a tremendous job at raising our daughters to be successful,
strong and smart young ladies. Without Michelle, I would be lost. My family
and I are extremely lucky to have her! Michelle, I love you more than you
know.”