Carrying the Torch: The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Honor Leaders and Their Legacies

The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards celebration, held annually, shines a spotlight on exceptional individuals who have devoted themselves to making a difference. This year’s event, coinciding with what would have been President Bush’s centennial, takes on a special meaning as it pays tribute to his enduring legacy of compassion and action.

The 2024 honorees are a diverse group hailing from various walks of life and championing a wide range of causes. Their paths may be unique, but they converge in their shared dedication to service, as well as their impact on the lives of countless individuals. Let’s explore the remarkable stories of two of these honorees.

Ashley Brown: A Luminary of Selfless Love for Foster Children

Ashley Brown’s dedication to improving the lives of foster children stems from her own personal experience. Adopted as an infant, Brown understands the lasting impact a loving family can have on a child’s life. Fueled by the belief that every child deserves a permanent home and nurturing environment, she founded the Selfless Love Foundation, an organization committed to transforming the child welfare system and ensuring more foster children find their forever families.

Brown’s journey is a testament to the power of turning personal experiences into catalysts for change. Her adoption story ignited a passion within her to advocate for children in foster care, recognizing the systemic challenges they face in finding stability and belonging. This understanding drives her relentless pursuit of creating a more effective and compassionate child welfare system.

“I’ve always had a deep love and respect for my parents because they truly did give me a second chance at life,” Brown reflected. “I am so grateful for them adopting me, and their act of selfless love not only transformed my life, but has transformed thousands of lives.”

Selfless Love Foundation tackles the complex issues surrounding the child welfare system, working in three impactful areas, adoptions, independent living, and advocacy. The Foundation creates opportunities for children in foster care to find forever families and supports prospective parents along their adoption journey. For youth who age out of the system, Selfless Love provides housing, resources, and the support they need to become self-sufficient adults. The organization’s advocacy work aims to create system-wide improvements that benefit children currently in care and youth who have aged out of foster care. Selfless Love believes the people closest to the issue also hold workable solutions. That’s why youth who have experienced foster care are part of the organization’s advocacy team. Youth are integral in setting policy priorities and meeting with legislators to create change.

Brown’s leadership and advocacy have spurred significant progress in the process and system. The Selfless Love Foundation has successfully facilitated numerous adoptions, providing children with the stability and love they deserve. It has also played a crucial role in raising awareness about the needs of foster children and advocating for policy changes that prioritize their well-being.

“After advocating for two years, Florida now has a law that protects children’s photos and information who are available for adoption. Thanks to our advocacy team, now only families are able to access these photos on secure websites,” Brown said. “We plan to advocate for this to get passed federally.”

Brown’s vision extends beyond simply finding forever families for children in foster care; she strives to create a society where every child feels valued and supported. A belief that every child deserves to be loved unconditionally and to have a safe and stable home fuels her tireless efforts to build a more compassionate and effective system that meets the needs of all children.

Through her work, Brown personifies the essence of selfless love, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the well-being of children impacted by foster care. Her journey is a reminder that even in the face of complex systemic challenges, individuals can make a significant difference.

Patrick Dempsey: Championing Compassion in Cancer Care

Patrick Dempsey, renowned actor and founder of the Dempsey Center, has devoted himself to supporting people living with cancer. Inspired by his mother’s courageous battle with ovarian cancer, Dempsey witnessed firsthand the devastating impact the disease has on patients and their families. “My personal impact was my mother was diagnosed in the late 90s with ovarian cancer,” Dempsey shares. “She had over 12 recurrences during a 14-year period.”

Dempsey’s experience illuminated the critical need for comprehensive care that extends beyond medical treatment. Recognizing the importance of addressing the holistic needs of patients and their families, Dempsey established the Dempsey Center in his home state of Maine to provide free support services. The center’s commitment to offering services at no cost stems from Dempsey’s understanding of the financial burden cancer can place on families. He emphasizes, “With the cancer diagnosis, with the insurance, with the payments, all that stuff that can get wiped out very quickly and it produces a lot of anxiety.”

The center fosters a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring that patients feel embraced and understood from the moment they walk through the door. “They’re not numbers. They’re human beings,” Dempsey states. The involvement of volunteers who have personally experienced cancer further contributes to the compassionate atmosphere, fostering an immediate connection and understanding between those who have faced similar challenges.

Over the past 17 years, the Dempsey Center has evolved and expanded its services, driven by the growing awareness of its impact and the feedback received from clients. Virtual programs, such as Dempsey Connects, have enabled the center to reach individuals in 32 states, ensuring that those in rural communities or facing mobility challenges can access support. Dempsey reflects on the center’s evolution, noting, “We’re servicing more people, and it just shows me and the staff and the team what a great need this is. This should be mandatory treatment.”

Looking to the future, Dempsey envisions a world where supportive care is integrated into standard cancer treatment and covered by insurance. He acknowledges the potential for technology to enhance the center’s services, envisioning a database that connects patients with relevant clinical trials and programs. Dempsey is also passionate about advocating for policy changes that address systemic issues related to cancer prevention and treatment, including education and access to healthy food.

The Dempsey Center’s approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, respect and dignity – virtues that Patrick Dempsey himself displays in spades.

The unique and inspiring stories of Ashley Brown and Patrick Dempsey are a testament to the ripple effects that individuals can make when they dedicate themselves to a cause greater than themselves. Points of Light is honored to recognize their outstanding contributions at The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award celebration at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., on October 23, 2024.