BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) - Our 2017 Red Cross Medical Hero works 40 hours a week as a medical professional, but also volunteers as a paramedic.
Chelsey Williams said she knew at 16 years old, when she tagged along in the ambulance to her very first call that her future profession would be in the medical field.
"Every time you run a call you're seeing someone probably at the worst moment of their life when they call 911, so every time our truck goes out the door we're always making an impact and just knowing that every time you're here you're doing something like this is a very fulfilling job," said Williams.
Ten years later, she is still volunteering with the Blacksburg Rescue Squad running calls 40 hours a week.
She also spends 40 hours a week working as an RN at Montgomery Regional Hospital.
"We don't get paid for it, so this is truly just out of the kindness of our hearts that we get to give back to our community," continued Williams.
But she has given back beyond hooking up IVs on the way to the emergency room.
Last Christmas season, she ran a call and unfortunately the outcome was fatal.
"The family was left somewhat without a provider and caretaker and we had heard about this and we knew that this family was in need and it would be nice to give them some Christmas presents and things, so myself and one other member went out and we bought some presents for the kids," recalled Williams.
With their own money, they stocked up on gifts for the children.
When asked why she decided to step and help out, Williams answered "because that's what you should do and if it were my family I would want someone to help my family out and help my kids out and really that's what Christmas is about is being able to give back. and I'm blessed and fortunate to be able to give back."
Chelsey and others didn't just drop the gifts off at the door, they delivered them with Santa and a deputy escort.
"I can't describe how excited their faces were when they actually saw santa get out of the ambulance and he had his big sack over his shoulders and we were delivering them presents and it just really takes you back to when you were a kid," said Williams. "Just their faces, it was just pure happiness and excitement and I think that made it all worth it right there in that moment was just perfect, that made my Christmas."
Her hard work saves lives, but her heart has helped save Christmas for a grieving family, making her a hero.
If you would like to attend the Red Cross Heroes breakfast, it's Tuesday, March 28.