Hand Raisers and Game Changers: 100 Heroes Week 8
This week includes Heroes who are taking the time to help Hoosiers have a better quality of life and making Central Indiana a healthier place to live overall. From helping make Central Indiana a smoke-free community to devoting six years to Alzheimer's research, these Heroes are ensuring Central Indiana is a place where everyone thrives. To see all of the stories of United Way’s 100 Heroes, look here.
Baindu Bayon
Baindu Bayon has spent the past six years researching Alzheimer’s while completing her Ph.D. in Medical and Molecular Genetics from the Indiana University School of Medicine, yet she still finds time in her busy life to give back to the community. Read her story
Hugh "Al" Barker
Hugh “Al” Barker was born a leader. He led by example – kindness and integrity at his core – with a strong commitment to positively impact the lives of those around him. Read his story
Ashley Gurvitz
Ashley Gurvitz believes in the power of advocacy and its ability to effect long-lasting change. Motivated by Trayvon Martin’s senseless death, Gurvitz realized she wanted to – she needed to – do more to strengthen her community.Read her story
Eddie L. Rivers Jr.
Eddie L. Rivers Jr. is an advocate for children, a community leader and referred to as a “connector of people and hearts.” Rivers has proven this sentiment to be true by connecting people in the legal field to represent kids who have been abused and neglected.Read his story
Missy Lewis
Missy Lewis has a vision for the Central Indiana community where everyone lives in a world with smoke-free air. As deputy executive vice president of the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, she is working to make that vision a reality. Read her story
Jeremy McGrew
As co-founder of Indy Fitness Magazine, Jeremy McGrew is committed to changing the status quo for a city currently ranked 48 out of 50 for overall health among the country’s most populated metro areas.Read his story
Mary Payne
A tragic loss in Mary Payne’s life turned into a bright light for her future. In 2003, her mother passed away while in hospice care. During this difficult time, Payne spoke to an employee about ways she could provide care to others during their most desperate time. Read her story