Introducing the 10 Semifinalists of This Year’s Health Hero Challenge
Vote now through July 31st to determine the three finalists.
Exciting news! A whole bunch of you — hundreds of you, actually — submitted nominations for the 2025 Be Well Philly Health Hero Challenge presented by Independence Blue Cross. Though we believe each nominee is highly deserving, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 folks who have been working in a variety of ways to improve health outcomes and general wellness of those living in and around Philadelphia.
This year’s 10 semifinalists — and their selected charities — are:
- Akayla Brown supporting Dimplez 4 Dayz Inc.
- Cheryl Colleluori supporting HEADStrong Foundation
- Noel Davis supporting the Paris Fit Wellness Foundation
- Katelynn Devinney supporting Pockets of Hope
- Lavon Howard supporting Path to Greatness
- Mallorie Jones supporting the Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Coalition
- Samantha Mathews supporting Andrée Collective
- John Matthews supporting Ride Hard Breathe Easy
- Samuel Menaged supporting the Renfrew Center
- Susan Shifrin supporting ARTZ Philadelphia
Here’s what happens next: Now through July 31st, you can vote for the person you want to see become one of the three finalists. You can vote once per day, every day — so get those votes in! FYI, we’ll take a closer look at these 10 wonderful wellness leaders over the next two weeks, so that you have a better idea of who they are, what they do, and the nonprofits they support.
After July 31st, we’ll tally the votes to determine which three individuals are moving on to the final round — with the ultimate winner decided by you! Our 2025 Health Hero will receive a $15,000 donation to their charity of choice, and the two runners-up will each win a $2,500 donation for their selected charities.
So, don’t delay! Cast your vote for this year’s Be Well Philly Health Hero Challenge now through July 31st.
