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.
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.
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.