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Community Corner

Cape and Islands Red Cross Honors Local Heroes

34 residents were honored for their incredible acts of courage and countless hours of community service during the 11th Annual Heroes Breakfast.

 

More than 500 people gathered to celebrate this year’s heroes Thursday morning at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center.

The breakfast was a stunning tribute to all of the individuals recognized. 

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Janake Christensen received a Lifesaving Hero award for her efforts to save a drowning man while on duty as a lifeguard at the Truro Town Beach.

“If Janake Christensen had not been present, the victim surely would have drowned,” said Jack Farley, Assistant Beach Supervisor in a statement.

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While Christensen shrugged aside her life saving experience as just a part of her job description, she said it was nice to be recognized.

“This is so special, it means the world to me. There is such a great sense of community,” Christensen said.

Jonah Shea received the hero award for the Individual with Disabilities. Shea was recognized for creating a fully funded basketball league that is available to kids all over Cape Cod, despite being confined to a wheelchair. Shea suffered life-altering injuries in a diving accident in 2007. Overcoming obstacles is something Shea wants to pass on to the kids in Shea’s No Limit Youth Basketball Association.

“Although I love to coach basketball, I’m even more interested in being a mentor to kids,” Shea said. 

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