When thinking about the season of giving and thankfulness, three women came to mind who have been instrumental in shaping philanthropy in this city. Their work, their values, their integrity are inspirations for us all. In fact, they are our super heroes of Huntsville. With that in mind we commissioned artist Blair Newman to capture each woman with her super power. Village of Promise's Bobby Bradley is breaking down barriers with her super strength. Spiritual leader and eye doctor helps mentor and create focus on God through her laser vision. And our beloved Liz Hurley has been a powerful beacon of light for so many others for decades.
Name: Bobby A. Bradley
Profession: former founder and CEO of Computer Systems Technology (CST)
Philanthropic causes and foundations: Co-Founder/board member of Village of Promise; board member for Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology Foundation, Huntsville Botanical Garden Foundation, Huntsville Industrial Development Board
What do you want your legacy to be? To know that I have used the gifts that God has given me to impact the lives of others in a significant and positive way
What first inspired you to be more involved in the community? Early in my life I saw the way my parents were involved in my community, giving of themselves in various ways to help others; my mother always inspired me and taught me to be giving and compassionate to others, sharing what I had with others whenever possible; her saying was “we have been blessed to be a blessing to others”; one of my earliest dreams was to have the time and resources to do something significant and I believe I am where I am supposed to be at this stage of my life.
What values have been instilled in you and do you hope to instill in others? First and most important, I believe that God has a specific path for me and each of us should know and walk that path every day. Humility I think is the second most important; others are honesty, integrity, excellence in everything we do; hard work; perseverance (when it gets hard and when you feel alone); compassion, sharing, and never giving up.
How can people get involved in your work? Contact the Village of Promise office at (256) 536-8052.
What do you love about the people of Huntsville? They are willing to identify the real issues in our community and then work to address them and overcome them to make our community the best it and its people can be; the are willing and eager to get involved when asked and in a way that fits their gifts and talents
Name: Liz Hurley
Profession: Broadcast Journalist and Founder of Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund at Huntsville Hospital Foundation
Philanthropic causes and foundations: Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund/Liz Hurley Ribbon Run at Huntsville Hospital Foundation; Animal Welfare
What do you hope people think of when they hear the name Liz Hurley?
I hope that people view me as someone who loves this community, who strives to bring people together both professionally by reporting with integrity, and personally through my philanthropic work. I’ve never shied away from a story – including my own. There was a time when you simply did not talk about breast cancer on television. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, I decided to document my journey on-air as a news anchor because I wanted to change that narrative. “Earlier detection means more survivors,” has always been a mission of mine, and I hope that more women are inspired to be their own health advocate through my work.
What first inspired you to be more involved in the community?
I love our community and have always been involved in various ways. I believe there is no better way to get to know your community than to dive in and volunteer. One of my first adventures was at the Greater Huntsville Humane Society. You learn a lot about a place and its people when you see how a community treats "the least of these.” That experience, in part, led to my starting one of the first on-air pet adoption segments in the country in 1984.
My passion for our community is also partly what inspired me to start the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run at Huntsville Hospital Foundation 21 years ago. I wanted the community to see what is possible when we come together for a cause that impacts so many people every day. It was important to me for the community to be actively involved in funding advanced technology that would stay local. It’s truly our neighbors and co-workers who are making a difference for breast cancer patients and survivors right here in North Alabama.
What values have been instilled in you and do you hope to instill in others?
My father and my maternal grandmother were my greatest influences. They each lived into their late 90s and passed on their values in our family (and to my friends). Of course, be a good human, be grateful and be the glue in the family. Be fair, kind and polite. My Pop always said, "Stay in good company. When you leave this house, you take the good name and character of this family with you.” My childhood friends still quote him...so do my kids. Be dedicated to what you love and who you love and always be dependable. Be a helper, there is always someone in need and always someone who is less fortunate. Keep family traditions, they are the ties that bind us to the past, present and future.
How can people get involved with your mission?
Get to know your neighbor. Then, walk farther down the street and get to know your neighbor’s neighbor. Everyone has a story to tell – be present and listen. And while you’re on that walk – join us for the annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run each October.
There is truly nothing like being part of more than 6,000 people coming together in support and memory of their friends and loved ones. It’s a beautiful day and it takes place right in the heart of downtown Huntsville. In fact, you can even see the Huntsville Hospital Breast Center from the finish line. Every dollar raised goes toward funding advanced breast cancer technology and equipment for local patients. Your steps will ensure that women right here in our community have access to better diagnostic equipment and technology. Your steps could save lives.
What do you love about the people of Huntsville?
What's not to love? If there is a need, it can be filled. There is always someone who knows someone who can help. If there is a cause and a need, supporters are there.
The definition of a superhero is a benevolent fictional being with superhuman powers. I like to think that there are real superheroes all around us. The nurse navigator who walks a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient through her treatment plan, or the young child who saves his birthday money and donates it to the animal shelter. I believe that there are heroes making a super impact in each other’s lives all around Huntsville, and I see it every single day.
Name: Rica McRoy
Profession: Optometrist, co-founder of R City Eye Care
Philanthropic causes and foundations:
Our practice supports the following community partners:
Huntsville Location: Lincoln Village Ministry, Kids to Love, Ryker’s Rainbow, The Caring Link, Manna House, NCAC, Asha Kiran, Not One More Alabama, New Hope Children’s Clinic and the Huntsville Inner City Learning Center, Compassion International
Madison Location: Downtown Rescue Mission, the Cornerstone Initiative, HPRC, the WellHouse, Christian Job Corp and Compassion International
Personally, I serve on the board of Lincoln Village Ministry and as a volunteer optometrist for the Downtown Rescue Mission Eye Care clinic.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I hope my legacy is that I helped others see who God is and discover who they were created to be. I pray that my life reflects extravagant generosity, sharing Christ’s love and grace in ways that glorify God and bring lasting good to others.
What first inspired you to be more involved in the community?
I have a vivid memory from a visit to India when I was in the fourth grade. At that time, people could gather on the tarmac to greet travelers. As we stepped off the airplane, we were engulfed by a sea of children who looked much like me but were visibly malnourished. They extended their empty hands, and my parents immediately gave out the coins they had and then offered all the snacks we had available. But we quickly ran out of things to give, and there were still so many children in need. I wept, begging my dad to do something, he said, “Remember this. Don’t let the fact that you can’t help everyone stop you from helping someone.”
My parents continued to give what they could—hugs. They embraced children that much of Indian society would have deemed “untouchable,” but those hugs conveyed dignity and worth, far more valuable than money or snacks.
God used moments like that, along with my journey of healing from childhood trauma, to dig a well of compassion in my heart. Scripture teaches that we comfort others with the comfort we’ve received in Christ.
Later, as a young mom, my friend and brother in Christ, Mark Stearns, opened my eyes to the suffering right in our own community. He reminded me that my own brokenness was where God’s grace could shine most brightly. To be of help to anyone, I needed to be open about my ongoing need for God’s mercy and healing.
As I’ve gotten more involved in our city, I’ve become more certain that there are no true distinctions separating “us” and “them.” We all share the same deep soul longings. This sense of kinship with others has been a delight to experience.
What values have been instilled in you and do you hope to instill in others?
My mom and dad modeled the values of respect, hospitality, generosity, perseverance, sacrifice, gratitude, and a strong work ethic. Jesus exemplifies for me holy love, humility, joy, servanthood, obedience, peace, compassion, and forgiveness. I continue to be shaped by their influence and hope to embody these values in my own life and instill them in others.
How can people get involved with your work?
Whether it's at Lincoln Village Ministry or the Downtown Rescue Mission, I invite you to 'Come and See'! Feel free to reach out to these organizations directly, or send me an email at info@rcityeyecare.com, and I’ll help you get connected. If any of our R City Community Partners spark your interest, please visit their websites for more information.
What do you love about the people of Huntsville?
I love that Huntsville is a vibrant mosaic of nations, backgrounds, and stories. Our community reflects a beautiful cross section of the world. The people here are warm, caring, resilient, curious, courageous, innovative, and full of creativity.
First and most important, I believe that God has a specific path for me and each of us should know and walk that path every day.
As I’ve gotten more involved in our city, I’ve become more certain that there are no true distinctions separating “us” and “them.” We all share the same deep soul longings.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, I decided to document my journey on-air as a news anchor