The UAB Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery honored survivors of traumatic injury and their families, as well as first responders and healthcare professionals, at the second annual UAB Heroes and Healers Gala on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Division director Jeffrey Kerby, M.D., Ph.D., opened the event with a warm welcome followed by remarks from UAB Hospital CEO Brenda Carlisle, SHA, BSN, RN, CENP and UAB Trauma Medical Director Daniel Cox, M.D.
“This event reminds us of our why and inspires all of us who have a passion for this work.” Kerby said, “Behind every successful surgery, there’s a story of courage, hope, and unwavering support.”
KD Hill, a 2024 gala honoree, trauma survivor, former Ole Miss football player, speaker, and author, returned to emcee the event. Cardell Jones and Jesse Sherrell, the other two 2024 honorees, took the stage to give updates on where they are now.
The 2025 honorees were– Gary Taylor, Brittany Johnson, and Grayson Pope. These survivors each experienced severe traumatic injuries and required long hospital stays, rehabilitation, and a strong circle of support.
Each honoree was recognized and featured in a documentary style video, allowing them to tell their story, share the progress being made in their recoveries, and even thank their care team including first responders, UAB Hospital care teams, and loved ones.
Special guests included Jacob Smith, a TBI survivor whose family connected with the Pope family for TBI support after his accident. Sheree Kennon, Johnson’s mentor through the Offender Alumni Association, spoke about the work being done through the VIP program at UAB.
The UAB Arts in Medicine program was also represented. Sarah Health provided hands-on art activity for attendees to make cards for trauma survivors. Suzanne Costello, writer and director of the performance project “From Where I Sit,” directed a sneak peek of the upcoming show featuring a dialogue between Melanie Manning, a trauma survivor, and her mother Wanda Manning. “From Where I Sit” is inspired by a writing program for people with spinal cord injuries and incorporating movement, music, and monologues based on true stories and featuring real spinal cord injury survivors. The performances are free and are a part of the month-long Disability Arts Festival.
After the short films played and dinner was eaten, the night concluded on the dance floor with DJ Serious giving guests time to socialize and take pictures at a 360 photo booth.
This event would not have been possible without the honored trauma survivors, first responders, and the team of surgeons and nurses caring for trauma patients at UAB and throughout Alabama.
“This event highlights the bravery and strength of our patients, the commitment of our healthcare teams, and the dedication of our first responders across Alabama,” Kerby said. “Tonight we acknowledge the healers and heroes among us whose combined efforts embody the mission of UAB, making UAB a place of hope.”
The Heroes and Healers Gala is an annual event raising money for the UAB chapter of the Trauma Survivors Network (TSN). The TSN is an initiative of the American Trauma Society, with over 150 sites at the hospitals and rehab centers across the United States that exists to support trauma patients and their families–from their immediate questions to providing long-term support.