KNX Hero of the Week

Both born and raised in Southern California, Cheryl and Craig Matheny are helping build stable foundations for people all over their community and the world, through their charitable donations. Photo: Cheryl and Craig, courtesy of the Matheny Family. Connect at https://thesolidmount.com/

In honor of National Donor Day, we hear the story of a loving husband and father of four, who tragically died after an accident. His family was able to donate four of his organs to people who desperately needed them! His wife also shifted her nursing career afterwards, so she could make a bigger impact to her community. Photo: Genesis Clark-Singh, holding a floragraph of her late husband, Aaron, at the 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena. Courtesy of Genesis Clark-Singh.

Meet Girl Scouts of Orange County Junior, Devon Noonan of Troop 7370, who’s helping lead the way towards a better, safer world! Photo: Devon Noonan, helping package holiday gift boxes filled with toys and supplies for the non-profit, Waymakers OC. Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Orange County. See more pictures at the KNX Hero story page.

Founder and Culinary Director, Chef Bill Bracken (left), and a few of his volunteers, going above and beyond to help during the recent fire crisis. https://www.brackenskitchen.org/ Photo: Courtesy of Bracken’s Kitchen, based in Orange County.

Klover King Agency mobilized their team of all-star food vendors, did live-streaming on TikTok, and assembled thousands of volunteers in a massive relief effort at the Rose Bowl and Santa Anita Race Track! Photo: "Klover King" Christopher Bailey and Holt Williams. https://linktr.ee/kloverkinglosangeles

Jennifer Alden and her family of four had to evacuate from the Palisades Fire. She also helped a neighbor evacuate, and helped a car crash victim the day before! You can assist the family here: https://gofund.me/3eb1027e #KNXHero (Photo: Jennifer, her husband Bobby, and her kids Asher and Jordan. Courtesy of Jennifer Alden)

Family, friends and volunteers help pack and distribute hundreds of suitcases for kids in foster care in Orange County. Photo courtesy of Debby Thrailkill. Connect at https://www.sco-oc.org/debby-thrailkill-a-case-for-kids/

From swimming around islands... to running over two dozen marathons! Some of our KNX Heroes from 2024 accomplished incredible feats, all in the name of helping others! Heroes include Edie Markovich, Summer Willis, Saara Dang & Rohan Soni, and WWII Vet Joe "Peppy" Sciarra. (Photo: Edie Markovich, courtesy of Glenn Zucman)

Heroic. Compassionate. Giving. So many words describe our incredible KNX heroes who went above and beyond to save a person in need this past year! Photo: Chris Goetze (left) and Larry Brown (right), courtesy of C. Goetze.

Photo: Addie Matthews (far left), at her 5K/Fundraiser for RAD. Photo courtesy of Clara DeLain @claradelainphoto

Dr. Damon Clark is a trauma surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC. He's also making a big impact with several outreach programs, including free tattoo removal for people wanting a new start on life after a negative or traumatic experience. Photo: Dr. Damon Clark, Courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC.

In the right place at the right time, with the right training! Meet Jeremy Aldridge and Daniel Maciel, with Lanark Recreation Center in Canoga Park! [Photo: Recreation Assistant Daniel Maciel (left) and Senior Director Jeremy Aldridge (right), courtesy of Jeremy Aldridge.]

Linda Chiu, Program Chair Pam Hadfield, and members of the Surfside Quilters Guild donate around 400 hand-made quilts a year, all across SoCal! They go to our veterans, patients at Children’s Hospital, and more! Linda Chiu (left) and Pam Hadfield (right) in front of a quilt at a recent meeting.

Dave Drulias runs the horse rescue organization, Because We Can, Because We Care. Healing through connection with the animals, BWC2 helps kids with special needs, first responders and veterans dealing with PTSD. Photo: Dave Drulias at the ranch, courtesy of Dave Drulias Connect: https://www.bwc2.org

Listen as "Peppy" shares more about his time in the Army Infantry, and the decades he spent with the love of the life! Photo: 99 year-old Joe "Peppy" Sciarra of Arcadia, courtesy of Rae Kearney

He's an American treasure! Our KNX Hero of the Week, the courageous, witty and compassionate Joe "Peppy" Sciarra of Arcadia! Photo: Joe Sciarra, recently speaking at the Field of Glory ceremony, captured by Steven Castro of Eagle Photography.

She's giving kids equitable opportunities to learn and grow through the art of music and theatre! And, she's inspiring people of all ages to be great. Meet Debora Wondercheck of Arts and Learning Conservatory in Orange County! (Photo: Debora Wondercheck, conducting a live performance, courtesy of ALC.) https://www.artsandlearning.org

She’s dedicated her life to protecting our oceans, and the animals and people who rely on it to live. Meet Valarie Van Cleave of Orange County, who’s spearheading efforts to preserve our planet’s largest resource! Photo: Valarie Van Cleave with Oceana's Sea Change Summer Party (courtesy of Valarie Van Cleave)

Meet Boxing Coach and Sports Performance Specialist, Aldair Perez! He reached out to an OC mother after hearing about how her son was getting bullied at school. It started with a free class to teach him some self-defense skills, but the teenager is now in regular training, gaining his power and confidence back! Photo: Aldair Perez and 14 year-old Thomas Smith, courtesy of Tamme Smith

From fashion to friendship - Melanie Lewis is a person you want on your side! Her positivity radiates in everything she does, especially in her work with The Pink Journey Foundation!

Meet Arden Pala of Sports4Kids! Our KNX Hero of the Week is making a big impact with his non-profit, which provides free sports clinics for schools that can't afford sports programs! Photo: Arden Pala, courtesy of Sports4Kids Connect at http://www.sports4.org

Anne Minder is inspiring kids through the science of flight! She’s a leader with years of corporate training experience, a tireless volunteer, and she’s very passionate about STEM! Click the link above to hear Anne chat with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan, about a special STEM Day program hosted by the Torrance Airport, for local high school students! Photo: A recent STEM Day at the Torrance Airport, involving volunteer engineers and pilots, and students within the Torrance Unified School District. Courtesy of Anne Minder. See more pictures at the heroes page at http://www.KNXNews.com.

Meet our incredibly talented KNX Heroes of the Week! 17 year-old Saara Dang and 16 year-old Rohan Soni have created a special space for kids dealing with chronic and mental illness. Inspired by Saara’s younger brother, who was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease, the Orange County high school students created a documentary film that highlights the challenges kids with illness may face. Then they built a cell phone app that creates a community for kids to share their feelings and meet new friends with similar situations! Click the link to hear Saara and Rohan chat with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan! Connect with Dear Me at https://www.dearmementalhealth.com/ Photo: Saara Dang and Rohan Soni Photo courtesy of Saara Dang and Rohan Soni

Jenna Grabow and her soon to be sister-in-law, Anna Lundmark, are changing the landscape when it comes to employment for people with autism! After struggling to find a job post-graduation, Jenna teamed up with Anna to create their own company. It’s called “Beauty by Jenna” and one of their missions is to hire dozens of skilled and talented people who are also differently-abled. Hear Jenna and Anna chat with Heroes host Heather Jordan about their mission and products, by clicking the link! Photo: Jenna Grabow (left) and Anna Lundmark (right), courtesy of Anna Lundmark Connect with "Beauty by Jenna" here: https://shopbeautybyjenna.com/collections/all

This summer, 18 year-old Kai Yamamoto of Long Beach was named a recipient of the nationwide 2024 Girl Scout Gold Award, for her incredible educational project! It's aimed at at building an anti-racist future and developing more respect and empathy for those of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. The project was so impressive, California State University-Long Beach now offers it as a free, college credit course! Click the link to hear Kai chat about her AAPI project and what she plans for her future with KNX Heroes Host, Heather Jordan! Photo: Kai Yamamoto (center) receiving her GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship check. Courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Orange County. Also in the picture, GSOC's CEO Dr. Vikki Shepp and GSOC's Board of Directors' Chair Christine Scheuneman. https://www.girlscouts.org

Mike Learakos is a former restaurateur with over 30 years in the food industry, and a long-time volunteer supporting thousands of people across SoCal. Mike is also the CEO of Abound Food Care based in Orange County, and his team works hard to eliminate food waste! September is Hunger Action Month, so Mike tells KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan that now is the time to lend a hand! Photo: Mike Learakos, courtesy of Mike Learakos and Abound Food Care Connect at https://www.aboundfoodcare.org/

Leading her community with leaps and bounds, Chloe Gruenberg is not your typical high school student! She’s an accomplished ballerina, she teaches technique to young students in Orange County, and she’s also a dedicated volunteer with over 300 hundred of hours of service! She's involved with RAD, Special Camp and so much more... click the link to hear Chloe chat with KNX Heroes Host, Heather Jordan! Photo: Chloe Gruenberg, courtesy of Ulrika Molin Photography

It's one of the toughest things in life - transitioning onto a new path. For many members of the military, it can be extremely overwhelming when searching for the right career after years of service. So, this is where Adam Van Dyke steps in to help. And it's not just simple guidance - he volunteers his time, making sure his clients are set on the right path that's fulfilling and respectful of their incredible skills. Click on the link to hear a special "extended interview" with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan and Adam Van Dyke of Orange County. Photo: Adam Van Dyke (right) and his family; wife Karen and daughter Kayten, and Kali. Photo courtesy of the Van Dyke family. Connect with Adam at Veterati: https://www.veterati.com Connect with Adam at Rising Tides Coaching & Consulting Int'l: https://rtcci.com

https://www.beyondblindness.org/ Photo: Angie Rowe, CEO of Beyond Blindness (center) Photo Courtesy of Noel Besuzzi

Photo: Bill Bracken, courtesy of Bracken's Kitchen Connect at https://www.brackenskitchen.org

FixNation is a non-profit clinic in LA County that offers free spay and neuter services to the thousands of homeless, stray, and community cats across the metro. They also provide additional services, community support and low-cost options for people with pets. Founded by local cat-lovers Karn Myers and her late husband Mark Dodge. Click the link to hear Karn share some of their incredible story! Connect at https://fixnation.org Photo: Karn Myers at FixNation. Courtesy of FixNation

Addie Matthews of Mission Viejo is impacting lives in a big way! A year ago, she volunteered as a camp counselor for https://radcamp.org, a SoCal non-profit that offers camps for kids and adults who are differently-abled, or have special needs. This year, Addie decided that she would not only volunteer again, but she would fundraise and help pay the way for as many campers as possible! Click the link above to hear Addie chat with KNX Hero's Host Heather Jordan about her fundraiser, and other outreach! Photo: Addie Matthews (middle) at her Walking Through The RAD Decades 5K event https://fundraise.radcamp.org/event/walking-through-the-decades-5k/e574621 Photo courtesy of Clara DeLain / @claradelainphoto

Spreading kindness and compassion, while nurturing a community! Through the non-profit https://www.cropswapla.org, founder Jamiah Hargins is helping fight food insecurity across SoCal and the world! He's inspiring urban gardeners, creating access for affordable, nutrient-rich food... and motivating our youth through leadership! Hear Jamiah talk about Crop Swap LA with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link! Photo: Jamiah Hargins, courtesy of Crop Swap LA

CPR training in a class at school helped Downey High School senior, Isaac Delgadillo save the life of a collapsed umpire during a recent baseball game! Isaac knew just what to do, when the man fell to the ground behind home plate. His quick action made all the difference! Hear Isaac share his story with KNX Hero's host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link above. Photo: Isaac Delgadillo, courtesy of David Carrillo @Carrillo4k

Nicki Clark knows how tough it can be to attend school while homeless. When she was a teenager, unexpected circumstances forced her and her mother out of their home and into the streets, starting a new life and with new struggles. School was always super important, so now as an adult, Nicki is giving back to kids in a similar situation. She's an award-winning volunteer tutor with School on Wheels, and she shares part of her inspiring story with KNX Heroes host, Heather Jordan! Photo: Nicki Clark receiving her 2024 Volunteer Award from the non-profit, School on Wheels. Photo courtesy of School on Wheels https://schoolonwheels.org

Carol Gibson is making a difference in the lives of low-income seniors all across Southern California! Medical experts and health professionals have documented that music and art can benefit an aging person in many ways, but not all facilities or senior living centers can afford programs that provide these activities. So, Carol and her team of volunteers at Compassionate Artists step in! From live music to arts and crafts, Carol shares with Heroes host Heather Jordan all that they provide, and the impact they are making! Connect at http://compassionateartists.org/ Photo: Carol Gibson, courtesy of Paul Gibson

Every year, the Kevin Armstrong M.D. Memorial Sports Foundation distributes hundreds of pairs of shoes to deserving kids in Santa Ana, to help keep them active for the spring and summer. There's nothing better than a new pair of kicks to build confidence in a young person! KAMSF Vice President Karen Armstrong checks in with Heroes Host Heather Jordan about their recent distribution! Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Armstrong M.D. Memorial Sports Foundation Connect at https://www.armstrongmdfoundation.org

For nearly two decades, Chef Bruno Serato has been feeding our SoCal community, and communities around the world. Reaching an incredible milestone, Chef Bruno speaks with Heroes Host Heather Jordan about serving his 10-millionth meal with his non-profit, Caterina's Club. Chef Bruno also reveals how he felt getting chosen as a recipient for the 2024 President's Lifetime Achievement Award! https://caterinasclub.org https://www.chefbrunoserato.com/ https://anaheimwhitehouse.com/ Photo: Chef Bruno Serato, in his kitchen preparing hot pasta meals for distribution. Photo Courtesy of Caterina's Club.

Track meets, team building and tassles! We check in with L'Mio Edwards, who's in the middle of an exciting track season with Claremont High School. She's also building her non-profit "Team L'Mio" and the senior is getting ready for graduation! Hear the latest with Host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link! Connect at https://teamlmio.com Photo: L'Mio Edwards, courtesy of L'Mio Edwards

There are times in life when we need a strong support system. For some people, however, that can be hard to find. With a mission to make a difference, retired Superior Court Judge Songhai Armstead is leading the way with JCOD, the new Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department with LA County! The Los Angeles native is a longtime advocate for the underserved, and a justice system innovator, and she speaks with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about their newest programs! Connect with JCOD at https://jcod.lacounty.gov Photo: Judge Songhai Armstead (left) at a recent community event. Photo courtesy of the Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department

Fighting hunger, preventing food waste and cultivating community! Former KNX Hero of the Week Natalie Flores-Blackner chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about their new program called Fruity Fridays, that gives homeowners with fruit trees a way to donate their abundant produce! Natalie also talks about the incredible growth of Nourish LA, since beginning in an alleyway in 2020. Connect: https://www.nourish.la Photo: Courtesy of Ken Kerbs Photos

From Hawaii to the Hudson Bay, to the coast of Croatia... our KNX Hero of the Week is making a big statement, when it comes to keeping our oceans and waterways healthy! 18 year-old Edie Markovich of Los Angeles is the founder of Outswimming Hunger, and she's partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our communities! Hear her share her recent accomplishments with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan, by clicking on the link above. Photo: Edie Markovich, before her recent 12-hour swim at the ELAC swim stadium, to raise money for Heal The Bay. Photo courtesy of Glenn Zucman

Driver Austin Varco and his Race4Autism campaign is gearing up for an exciting 2024, kicking things off with Austin's debut at the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Series at Irwindale Speedway. Racing to the finish line with former KNX Heroes "Special Needz Coffee" as one of his sponsors, Austin is making a big impact in the ASD community! Hear the latest with our former hero by clicking the link above. Follow Austin and his Race4Autism events at: https://www.austinvarco.com/race4autism Photo: Austin Varco, courtesy of Ivan Velasco

A passion project for 13 year-old RJ Hermes is making a big impact on local shelter dogs and their future forever-families! The creative mind behind the "Operation Pawesomeness" campaign - RJ has collected over 350 items for our canine friends, like dog beds, collars, treats and more! Hear RJ share his story with KNX Hero's host Heather Jordan by clicking the link. Want to donate? Connect with RJ and Operation Pawesomeness at: https://www.gofundme.com/operation-pawesomeness Photo: RJ Hermes, with his "Operation Pawesomeness" campaign posters and boxes. Photo courtesy of Amy and Ben Hermes

A true example of bravery and heroism! When doctors at Keck Medicine of USC determined Saul Casillas and Kathya Rocha matched with each other's sibling who needed an organ transplant, they didn't hesitate to donate! Click the link to hear this incredible - and rare - journey of love, compassion and triumph! Photo: Jim Kim, MD, transplant surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC; Joselin Casillas; Kathya Rocha; Saul Casillas; Jaime Rocha Fernandez (left to right) Courtesy of Keck Medicine of USC

The Tesoro High School Junior is making a big difference in the SoCal community, inspiring young girls and teens with scoliosis! Brooke Walker knows how tough it can be during treatment or surgery, herself undergoing a multi-level back fusion two years ago. After her recovery, Brooke turned to mentorship and volunteering, and now leads the Orange County chapter of Curvy Girls, showing how you can stay powerful and strong through the challenges! Click the link to hear more about Brooke's incredible work and journey! Connect with Curvy Girls: https://www.curvygirlsscoliosis.com Photo: Brooke Walker, courtesy of Randee and Derek Walker

It's all about giving back to the community and changing the lives of young people, for Eric Horn! During the week he serves Los Angeles as a police officer, and on the weekends he inspires hundreds of kids with the NE Little League! Eric is not only a coach, he's the president of the league, helping provide a stable and positive environment for families all across the metro. Hear Eric chat about the league with KNX Heroes host Heather Jordan, by clicking the link! Photo: Eric Horn (right), and a colleague Photo courtesy of Eric Horn

Trauma can hold us back in many ways. As a way of healing from a horrific rape while in college, Summer Willis decided to conquer the darkness that surrounded that moment. At the age of 29, she bravely decided to make a stand, and raise her voice for herself and others. Her mission is to advocate for survivors of rape and raise funding for support and services, all while running 29 marathons in one year. For the LA Marathon on March 17th, Summer will finish the last mile in high heels, as a show of strength, power and beauty. She shared part of her story with KNX's Heather Jordan... click the link to hear her inspiring words. You can also connect with Summer, donate and support her marathon challenges, and get more of her inspiring story at https://strengththroughstrides.org Photo: Summer Willis and her two sons, along with the mattress she will put on her back while running 26.2 miles in New York City. Photo courtesy of Avery Moffitt

Benjamin Levy and his wife, Trang, were in the right place at the right time when a brush fire started burning next to some train tracks. Without hesitation, Benjamin flagged down an oncoming train, found a fire extinguisher and helped save the area until firefighters could arrive. Truly heroic actions! Listen to Benjamin tell the incredible story to KNX Heroes Host, Heather Jordan by clicking the link! Photo: Benjamin and Trang Levy See a photo from the scene at the Heroes page at KNXNews.com

Meet Katina Holliday! She's the CEO and founder of Holliday's Helping Hands, based in Carson, CA. It's an organization that improves the quality of life for disenfranchised individuals through love, faith and giving second chances. With seven locations and two more about to open, her non-profit is making a BIG difference in our SoCal community! Hear Katina chat with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about their recent outreach event, called a Day of Love! https://hollidayshh.org Photo: Katina Holliday during the recent Day of Love event with HHH. Courtesy of Lonnie Neal