5 Illinois Local Heroes Show Bravery, Selflessness, Compassion

ILLINOIS — When times are tough or there's a community in need, we see them emerge: Compassionate local heroes who go above and beyond to help, serve and give back.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. And we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding people.

Here are five heroes identified by Patch readers whose stories you should know:

1. Tommy and Morgan Brooks - Father and son ran towards danger

On July 4, the Highland Park father and son were on their way to breakfast when they heard gunshots ring out. Instead of running away, they ran towards the sound, hoping they could help those who were injured in a mass shooting during the city's July 4 parade.

Marjorie Brooks nominated her son and grandson, saying they found Kevin McCarthy, a 37-year-old father and husband who, along with his wife, had been mortally wounded. Morgan Brooks took his shirt off, wrapping it around one of McCarthy's wounds and trying to stop the bleeding.

The college sophomore and his father then turned McCarthy over and found his 2-year-old son, Aiden.

"They saved the life of the baby," Marjorie Brooks wrote. "They saw a person dying and thought they could help. Unfortunately, Kevin did die in Morgan's arms, but the baby was saved."

2. Ann Adlington seeks justice for young victims of sexual assault

Adlington is the coordinator for South Region of Advocate Health Care. She is a nationally certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for Pediatrics and Adult/Adolescents.

She was nominated by friend William MacDonald, who wanted to recognize Ann for her hard work and devotion.

3. Paquito Yu is "like a father" to the residents of a suburban group home.

For more than 30 years, Yu has cared for several six individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at St. Coletta's in Tinley Park.

A co-worker who nominated Yu raved about his devotion.

"He cooks for them; oversees their daily chores (such as laundry, cleaning and dusting); and makes sure they live life as independently as possible," the coworker wrote. "He enjoys taking them to church, restaurants and the park to feed the ducks. 'I want them to experience what others experience,' he said. "I want them to be happy.'"

4. Ava Gresser, 13, started giving back at a young age.

Six years ago, the Beverly teen began volunteering with The Honeycomb Project, an organization that partners with more than 40 non-profits on projects that allow young people to lend a hand in their communities.

Ava, described as compassionate, empathetic and dedicated, volunteers alongside her mother helping local non-profits improve the lives of residents.

"They sort donations of household essentials for Chicago families, prepare meals at a homeless shelter, clean up beaches," according to Ava's nomination. "Ava also secured a 2022 Hershey Heartwarming Young Hero Grant to benefit Honeycomb and serves as the organization's 'broadcast field reporter' at weekend events."

5. Vicky Schiewe has a 'huge heart' for helping kids

A friend who's volunteered with Schiewe for more than 30 years nominated her, saying she's been dedicated to making sure local kids are clothed for decades.

"She has a passion for helping people that is truly remarkable," friend Joanie McKinney wrote. "Vicky is a leader of the Niles Township Community Clothing Closet, which operates out of the former St. Paul Lutheran Academy building. She accepts referrals for clothing needs from all Niles Township human service departments, police and fire departments, and other community organizations. She also fills clothing orders, and schedules all pick ups. Very few people know this, but she also carries in daily donations dropped off at our doorstep. Many bags are so generously filled it’s hard to imagine how one tiny lady manages to get these donations up the stairway!"