Here’s Why Patrick Amato Was Shouted Out As a Hermosa Beach Local Hero

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Nancy Amato who nominated Patrick Amato of Hermosa Beach. Nancy is Patrick's aunt who admires him for the difference he makes in other people's lives.

Local hero’s full name

Patrick Amato

Local hero’s home state

California

Local hero’s Patch

Hermosa Beach

How do you know the local hero?

He is my nephew

What does the local hero do?

Works full-time, is a new father, runs a non-profit

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

In 2006 his mom, Nancy Amato, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pat (and his brother) started a non-profit called Pants Off Racing (Nancy wore the pants in the family). They wanted to "pay it forward" after all the kindness that was given to them. For the past 10-12 years Patrick has tirelessly run this amazing non-profit. POR has raised lots of money, 100% of which goes directly to the people and families that are going thru the diagnosis and thereafter of pancreatic cancer.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

How Patrick does so much to make people smile. Pancreatic Cancer is one of the deadliest cancers out there. There isn't much joy after being diagnosed. POR's goal is to support and bring some much-needed fun to the lives of the family. Patrick does this so effortlessly. In fact, he met a woman with pancreatic cancer and they became such fast friends, that when she passed 8 months later, he was a pallbearer at her funeral. POR is still in contact with her widower and children, hanging out with them and helping them celebrate life's moments.

Thank you for all you do, Patrick Amato!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.