Detroit has a lot of heroes. There are the obvious heroes: the policemen, the firemen, and the doctors. There are the less obvious: the volunteer tutor, the public defender, and the public school teacher. And the 80 year-old grandmother and caregiver.  

On Tuesday, the American Kidney Fund’s third annual gala, The Hope Affair, will take place in Washington, DC.   The American Kidney Fund will present Bernice Strange its “Caregiver of the Year” award.  She is a breast cancer survivor and the primary caregiver for her 30 year-old disabled grandson who has numerous medical problems, including kidney failure.  

While she takes her grandson to his dialysis treatment, she makes a point to lift the spirits of the other patients at the Detroit dialysis clinic.  At the event, she will meet member of Congress and the AKF’s celebrity spokesperson Laila Ali.

Ms. Strange, Congratulations on your much-deserved award!  You are an inspiration to your fellow Detroiters.