From the Nominator

Since 2010, the Colin Powell Medal of Courage has honored a University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital patient who demonstrates exceptional courage and leadership in the face of adversity. The 2025 recipient, Andrew Santos, didn't just overcome his own medical crisis—he turned it into a mission to lift other kids facing the same fight. His story, captured in the submitted video, is proof that courage can bring hope and strength to others. At age 17, Andrew survived an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), an aneurysm, and a massive stroke that fundamentally altered his life. Overnight, the active high school student had to relearn everything—how to walk, how to talk, how to be himself. Today, he serves as an ambassador for AVM patients and keeps an annual tradition of donating games and toys to pediatric rehabilitation patients at UCSF. Andrew’s video premiered at the Dreamfest Concert for Kids at Chase Center in San Francisco on October 15, 2025, a benefit concert presented by Salesforce in conjunction with its annual Dreamforce conference. The video was a true highlight of the event, which raised $9 million for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals and drew 20,000 live attendees. Andrew received a standing ovation following the screening, underscoring the film's significant emotional resonance.

From the Judges

This entry featured highly professional, cinematic storytelling that translated powerfully to a live event setting, helping drive an impressive $9 million in fundraising. Its inspirational narrative and strong technical execution created a compelling and emotionally engaging audience experience.