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The Deetra Durham Legacy of Hope Award

The Deetra Durham Legacy of Hope Award honors the extraordinary courage, resilience, and empowered spirit exemplified by Deetra Durham whose journey as a cancer survivor and thriver embodies the essence of Empowered To Thrive (ETT). This distinguished annual award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional strength, perseverance, and empowerment while navigating medical challenges and adversity. The honoree reflects Deetra’s enduring legacy by transforming personal trials into purpose, hope, and inspiration for others. The award is presented to an individual whether a patient, healthcare provider, advocate, or supporter who champions the principles of ETT through leadership, advocacy, compassion, and lived experience. Recipients serve as beacons of hope, reminding communities that adversity can be met with dignity, courage, and unwavering resolve.

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Award Purpose

The purpose of the Deetra Durham Legacy of Hope Award is to:

• Celebrate resilience and empowerment in the face of medical adversity

• Honor individuals who inspire hope through action, advocacy, or example

• Preserve and uplift Deetra Durham’s legacy of strength, faith, and empowerment

• Highlight the mission and values of Empowered To Thrive

Eligibility Guidelines

Nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements

Eligibility Pool

o Patients or survivors navigating serious medical challenges

o Healthcare providers or caregivers who demonstrate extraordinary advocacy and compassion

o Advocates, leaders, or community members who support and advance the Empowered To Thrive mission

ETT Values Alignment

Nominees must clearly demonstrate alignment with the principles of Empowered To Thrive, including resilience, empowerment, hope, advocacy, and service to others

Impact

Nominees must have made a meaningful and measurable impact, either personally or within their community by inspiring, supporting, or uplifting others facing medical challenges.

Ethical Standing

Nominees must exemplify integrity, compassion, and respect in both personal and professional conduct.

Award Criteria

Nominees will be evaluated using the following criteria

Resilience and Strength

Demonstrates perseverance, courage, and determination in the face of medical adversity.

Empowerement and Advocacy

Actively empowers self or others through education, advocacy, leadership, or support.

Inspiration and Hope

Serves as a source of hope and encouragement for individuals, families, or communities.

Legacy and Impact

Reflects the spirit and legacy of Deetra Durham by transforming adversity into purpose and positive influence.

Commitment to ETT Mission

Actively supports or embodies the values and mission of Empowered To Thrive.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be submitted by individuals, organizations, healthcare institutions, or community groups.
Self-nominations are permitted. Selection Process.
Each nomination must include:
- A completed nomination form
- A written narrative (not to exceed 500 words) describing how the nominee meets the award criteria
- At least one letter of support or testimonial.

Selection Process

Recipients will be selected annually by an appointed Award Selection Committee.
The committee's decision is final.
The award may be withheld in any year if no nominee sufficiently meets the established criteria.

Award Presentation

The Deetra Durham Legacy of Hope Award will be presented annually beginning in 2026 at a designated Empowered To Thrive signature event or official program. The recipient will receive:

A commemorative award or plaque.
Monetary Donation to cause.
Formal recognition during the award presentation at ETT annual fundraiser.
Inclusion in ETT publications and media announcements.

The Deetra Durham Legacy of Hope Award Nomination Form

Please tell us about your nominee:

First name

Last name

Phone number

Organization / Affiliation (if applicable)

City/State

Please tell us about the nominator:

Nominator's Name:

Relationship to nominee:

Nominator's Organization / Affiliation (if applicable)

Nominator's Email

Nominator's Phone

Resilience and Strength:

Describe how the nominee has demonstrated resilience, courage, and perseverance while facing medical challenges or adversity. (150-250 words)

Empowerment and Advocacy:

Explain how the nominee empowers themselves or others through advocacy, leadership, education, caregiving, or service. (150-250 words)

Inspiration and Impact:

Provide examples of how the nominee inspires hope or creates a meaningful impact within their community or field. (150-250 words)

Alignment with the Deetra Durham Legacy

Describe how the nominee reflects the spirit, values and legacy of Deetra Durham and Empowered To Thrive's Mission. (150-250 words)

Upload at least one letter of support or testimonial

Upload any relevant supporting documentation (optional)

Living healthy before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis.