LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- UofL Health and Christopher 2X Game Changers presented the 4th annual Kelsie Small Future Healer Award on Thursday.
This year's award was given to Ashley Zahniser, a trauma ICU nurse. According to UofL Health, Zahniser was chosen because of her dedication to the medical field and commitment to serving patients.
The Future Healer Award was established in 2021 in honor of Kelsie Small, a Central High School graduate and Northern Kentucky University nursing student who was killed in in 2020, the day before Mother's Day. The award is presented annually to a "medical professional at UofL Health who exemplifies excellence, caring, compassion and commitment to education."
"We can have a thousand awards, but at the end of the day we're here because my daughter, who was studying nursing, lost her life to gun violence, and I want to make sure we never forget that," Small's mother, Delisa Love, said.
Those who nominated Zahniser said she's a constant advocate for her patients and families.
"I'm completely honored to receive this award, so thank you again. I wish I could have worked with your daughter, she sounds like she was an amazing, amazing nurse already," Zahniser said.
Christopher 2X Game Changers leads the Future Healers Program, which is an educational initiative aimed at helping Louisville children who have been impacted by violence in their neighborhoods to build a better future.
Related Stories:
- Medical journal study shows Louisville nonprofit program helping children affected by gun violence
- 3 young survivors of gun violence in Louisville honored with Children's Inspirational Award
- 'Overcoming adversity' | 3 children all survivors of gun violence to be recognized by Louisville nonprofit
- Louisville nonprofit's Future Healers program learn from first responders
- 'It's gonna be major' | Louisville anti-violence nonprofit program expands to Nashville
- Louisville nonprofit program expanding to Nashville, partnering with prestigious medical center
- Organizers of 'Future Healers' program for kids hope to curb Louisville's violence
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
