Honors volunteers at a healthcare provider or other health-related organization who are considered exemplary by people within those organizations
MIKE HAMBY
TITLE: Hospice veteran volunteer
ORGANIZATION: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Mike Hamby has taken volunteer dedication to an ultimate level. He became a LifeCare volunteer in April of 2023. At that time, our organization did not have a veteran pinning team in New Hanover County. Mike made it his personal mission to build a pinning team for New Hanover and is primarily responsible for the pinning team growing from 0 to 31 members. He has personally attended over 450 veteran pinnings. These pinning ceremonies are a moving and meaningful opportunity to honor our veteran patients and the impact of their service as they near end of life. Mike has, by his own design, been on call seven days a week to receive and organize veteran pinning ceremony requests for New Hanover County. In addition, he has personally taken every new potential or interested pinning team member under his wing, beginning with a detailed email complete with a sample pinning video, examples of the certificates used and a personal testimony explaining what his involvement on the team has meant to him. … He has not only served as the leader of this pinning team but also is a frequent presence at LifeCare Community events to promote the mission of our veterans’ program.”
- Laura Long, volunteer programs and veteran coordinator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
LINDA MASTERS
TITLE: Volunteer
ORGANIZATION: Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “For more than 12 years, Linda has been a familiar and welcoming presence for patients, visitors, and team members at Novant Health Scotts Hill Outpatient Surgery Center. Since beginning her volunteer service in December 2013, she has brought warmth, humor and a genuine desire to help others in each of her volunteer roles, amassing more than 2,500 hours of volunteer service to Novant Health. …
After the passing of her husband, whom she had supported throughout his medical journey, Linda felt called to give back. Having experienced firsthand what it was like to be alongside someone navigating healthcare, she wanted to be there for others, offering support and looking for ways to make someone’s day a little easier.
Over the years, Linda has learned that even the smallest interactions can leave a lasting impression. One such experience was when a young mother was recovering from surgery while accompanied by her child. Linda’s kindness in talking with the woman and getting to know her meant so much that the patient later sent a note thanking her for the impact she left.”
- Erin Barajas, director of patient services, Novant Health
JEFFREY TANAKA
TITLE: Volunteer
ORGANIZATION: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
WHAT A NOMINATOR SAID: “Although he has been a volunteer with Lower Cape Fear LifeCare since August 2025, his impact has been extraordinary. A retired pediatrician, Jeffrey brings a lifetime of professional expertise, compassion and dedication to service into every aspect of his volunteer role. His ability to connect with patients, support care teams and educate the community has made a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
As a hospice volunteer, Jeffrey consistently goes far beyond what is expected. … One particularly powerful example occurred during a personal vacation to the western United States. Knowing his patient’s hometown was along the way, Jeffrey intentionally made time to visit the community and learn more about the place that had shaped his patient’s life. Upon his return, he shared stories and observations from the trip and even brought back photographs of the patient’s former high school. This simple but deeply personal gesture sparked meaningful conversation and allowed the patient to reconnect with cherished memories from earlier in life.”
- Marti Deeter, lead volunteer services coordinator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
Read more about all of the 2026 Health Care Heroes finalists
here.
