Latest news with #EverydayHero
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Everyday Hero: One Woman's Grief Journey
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Back on March 26th, Sharing Hope's Race for Life was held on Folly Beach. For one of the participants, the reason behind her running is personal. 'It's a special gift that you're given to know that your husband has been able to help others,' said Julie Martin. Martin's husband, Tom, was special. 'He loved life. He loved his family. He loved God,' Martin said. 'He just he helped anybody and everybody in need.' But three years ago, in 2022, Tom was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. The pain for Julie remains years later. What Martin didn't know at the time was that Tom was an organ donor, and by losing his life, he saved others. 'When you put the Y, when you say yes on your license, I had no idea what all that meant, and so now, going through this, I see the importance of sharing this mission with others and telling them that you have no idea how far-reaching this is for others,' Martin explained. Sharing Hope SC facilitates the gift through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Just last year, the organization saw more donations than ever before. The bond between Sharing Hope and Julie Martin is strong. She runs this race for her husband as part of her grief journey. Supporting him as well as sharing hope. 'When this happened, I realized how many people my husband has continued to help. I want to help, too,' Martin said. 'I'm a donor also myself, but while I'm here in this life I want to do what I can for others and to continue this mission through volunteer work or through whatever way that I'm needed.' Martin is one of more than 500 participants on this race day. Many of whom share similar stories. She hopes raising awareness and spreading the word about organ and tissue donations can save more lives. 'It excites me. It gives me joy that he's been able to give to so many,' Martin explained. 'That helps somebody on their grief journey more than you can imagine.' Martin's husband, Tom, helped several people by donating connective tissue, tissue for burn victims, heart valves, and both of his corneas. So far, 65 people have benefitted from Tom's donations worldwide. If you have an Everyday Hero, email bclark@ or submit it here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Everyday Hero: Fame finds the hair hat lady
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD) – You have got to remember Denise, the 'hair hat lady.' News 2's Brendan Clark brought you her story in January. Denise Washington makes hats and accessories out of synthetic hair, and that hobby has made her famous. Six of her creations will be on display in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. The story has brought much attention to Denise and her creations. 'Oh yeah, I'm very surprised by it,' she said. 'Everywhere I go people want to take pictures, want autographs. Everybody wants me to be someplace, but I can't be every place at one time, so I have to turn down some things.' But Denise couldn't turn down one important engagement. She recently received a historical proclamation from the mayor of Georgetown. 'I'm the first African American woman to ever receive two first-time mayor proclamations as the hair hat lady in the city of Georgetown,' Denise explained. 'It felt awesome; I mean, I had tears in my eyes.' As a self-proclaimed country girl from Nesmith, Denise says her hard work has finally paid off. 'I never dreamed this would happen in a million years,' she said. However, she did want it to happen, and now many other museums are asking for her creations, one of those being the Summerville Museum—a small museum with a big story. On a third Thursday, the museum had set up a special exhibit in Hutchinson Square to remember Kitty Springs for her work. Officials knew Denise would be a welcome addition as they would both be remembered for their hats. 'I would just like to say thank you to each and everyone for watching the news, watching the media, watching the news, and reading the newspaper. I just want to thank each and everyone for standing by the hair hat lady,' Denise expressed. Denise also shared that she will soon be a part of a documentary and plans to showcase her hometown of Nesmith, saying it's important never to forget where you came from. If you have an Everyday Hero, email bclark@ or submit it here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Everyday Hero: Proud to take your order
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – It is a special honor for a wonderful person. For this Friday's Everyday Hero, we head to Moncks Corner. If you like going to Chick-fil-A, you will most likely recognize our hero because she has a smile that's hard to forget. The chicken chain is notorious for its long drive-thru lines, but having someone like Treliyah Simmons take your order makes the lines much easier to deal with. Treliyah started working part-time at Chick-fil-A when she was in the special needs program at Berkeley High School, part of the district's school-to-work program. The program allows students to develop work skills with on-the-job training. 'Teach them the life skills that they need, ensuring that they have a sustainable career and life after high school,' said Dr. Anthony Dixon, Berkeley County School District superintendent. The program worked, and Treliyah continued to work at Chick-fil-A even after graduating. She is now a full-time employee, and everyone is fine with that. 'She'll come over with a hug and just give you a word of encouragement. She is Chick-fil-A. She takes our core company model to be the world's most caring company, and she lives that out,' said Mandy Jessup, Moncks Corner Chick-fil-A director. On one memorable day, all of Treliyah's hard work was recognized. 'I'm just so nervous because I just got team member of the year,' Treliyah said. 'It feels really good. I worked so hard to get here.' 'Caring, compassionate, and just hard-working, and she just makes your day better. Just know her,' said Brian Welch, Berkeley High School athletic director. Treliyah takes her job very seriously. 'I love helping people. I always wanted to help people, and I just love my job,' she added. It appears the love goes both ways, and Treliyah hopes it will stay that way. 'My goal is to make this a lifetime job,' she explained. So, when you see Treliyah and her smile at the drive-thru, know that it's not just work but someone who loves what they do. 'This is a dream come true.' And it's also someone who never forgot where they came from and the people who helped her along the way. 'When she gets off work, she comes to Berkeley High School. She finds me in the endzone and has a Chick-fil-A cookie for me,' Welch said. 'I mean, that's just who she is.' Treliyah also mentioned that she hopes to own and operate her own Chick-fil-A restaurant one day. If you have an Everyday Hero, email bclark@ or submit it here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
