Healing Hero for Excellence Awards

Each year at the Hats & Heroes Ball, Kids Beating Cancer honors extraordinary leaders whose compassion, dedication, and service embody the spirit of healing and hope.

Two prestigious awards are presented annually:

Healing Hero for Excellence in Pediatric Oncology

This award recognizes a pediatric oncology specialist whose life reflects the highest ideals of the medical profession — delivering compassionate, comprehensive care while relentlessly advancing the science of curing childhood cancer.

The honoree goes beyond standard practice, becoming the voice for children who might otherwise go unheard. Through innovation, leadership, and advocacy, this physician is committed to safer, more effective treatments that offer children the greatest hope for cure — not only in Central Florida, but across the nation and the world.

Award Criteria:

• Promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

• Embodies leadership, excellence, integrity, and service to patients and colleagues.

• Enriches patients, families, and the community through devoted practice and advocacy.

• Advances breakthroughs in high-risk pediatric cancer therapies, ensuring access to the best possible care.

✨ In previous years, this award recognized local physicians in pediatric medicine. In 2023, it expanded to honor national leaders in pediatric oncology, spotlighting those shaping the future of cures.

Healing Hero for Excellence in Community Leadership

This award honors a distinguished citizen or corporate leader whose extraordinary commitment of time, talent, and generosity has transformed the lives of children.

The honoree exemplifies service, civic responsibility, and leadership — acting with integrity and compassion on behalf of children’s health. As a catalyst for positive change, they inspire others to lead, serve, and give, strengthening Central Florida and extending impact far beyond.

Award Criteria:

• Leads with integrity, faith, and confidence on behalf of children’s health.

• Serves as a catalyst for positive community leadership.

• Demonstrates commitment and involvement in Central Florida and beyond.

• Exemplifies service and civic generosity, giving time and support to children’s needs.

A Guiding Reflection

“May we have eyes to see those who are rendered invisible and excluded, open arms and hearts to reach out and include them, healing hands to touch their lives with love, and in the process heal ourselves.”
— Dr. Jack McConnell

Recipients of these Awards to date:

Healing Hero for Excellence in Pediatric Oncology – 2024
Deepa Bhojwani, MD
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Healing Hero for Excellence in Pediatric Oncology – 2023
Sarah K. Tasian, MD
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Healing Hero for Excellence in Pediatric Medicine – 2022 Recipient Dr Raj Sawn-Martinez

Healing Hero for Excellence in Pediatric Medicine — Past Recipients

Healing Hero for Excellence in Community Leadership — 2024
Seth and Carrie Miller

Healing Hero for Excellence in Community Leadership — 2023
Valley Bank

Healing Hero for Excellence in Community Leadership — 2022 Recipient Charley & MayLou Woodsby

Healing Hero for Excellence in Community Leadership — Past Recipients

2021 Donnie Saxon

2019 Jeunesse Kids 

2018 Talk of the Town Restaurant Group