The Frist Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals who exemplify compassion, service, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Established in honor of HCA Healthcare co-founder Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr., the award celebrates those whose humanitarian efforts and dedication reflect the values he championed throughout his life.
Each year, the award honors a volunteer, an employee and a physician who go above and beyond in service to others. Recipients are selected for their commitment to community involvement, extraordinary acts of kindness, concern for the well-being of others and their ability to inspire those around them through selfless service.
Award recipients exemplify the highest standards of personal commitment and caregiving, making a lasting impact on their communities while carrying forward Dr. Frist’s legacy of compassion and humanitarianism.
Volunteer Honoree: Ricky Crosby
For the past 20 years, Ricky Crosby has exemplified selfless service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others through his volunteer work at HCA Healthcare Colleton Hospital and throughout the community. As a volunteer chaplain, Ricky is a trusted source of comfort and support for patients, families, and colleagues, answering calls at any hour to provide prayer, guidance, and a calming presence during some of life’s most difficult moments. His dedication extends beyond the hospital walls, where he leads weekly worship services for residents at Pruitt Health and personally transports residents of Magnolias Assisted Living to and from church each Sunday. For many of those residents, the trip is more than transportation—it is a lifeline to community, faith, and joy, often becoming the highlight of their week. Ricky’s service is not transactional; it is deeply personal. Through two decades of faithful ministry and relationship-driven support, he has filled gaps where others cannot, bringing comfort, hope and companionship to countless individuals when they need it most.
Employee Honoree: Tiffany Norton-Cornette
Tiffany Norton-Cornette exemplifies compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to others through her work at HCA Healthcare Colleton Hospital and throughout the community. Whether organizing a birthday celebration for a hospital chaplain spending his special day as a patient, helping establish a clothing closet for patients arriving with limited belongings or rallying support when delayed SNAP benefits left local families in need, Tiffany has a unique ability to recognize where help is needed and inspire others to take action. A former United States Coast Guard Boatswain’s Mate who served during the events of 9/11, she continues to lead with a servant’s heart, creating meaningful opportunities to honor colleagues, support vulnerable populations and strengthen the community. Her ability to turn compassion into action has touched countless lives and inspired others to give back in ways both big and small.
Physician Honoree: Dr. Michael Sylvia
Dr. Michael Sylvia exemplifies the compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to patient care that define the spirit of the Frist Humanitarian Award. One family's experience highlights the profound impact he has on those he serves. When an expectant mother faced an emergency C-section, Dr. Sylvia provided calm reassurance during one of the most frightening moments of her life, telling her, “We’ve got you. We are going to take care of him.” After the baby was born and required lifesaving intervention, Dr. Sylvia remained at the infant’s side, personally providing care and ensuring every possible measure was taken to support the newborn. His commitment never wavered, staying with the child until he was safely transported for further treatment. Through his skill, compassion and steadfast presence, Dr. Sylvia carried this family through an unimaginable crisis and gave them something priceless, a reason to believe in the future.
While their paths to service differ, Ricky, Tiffany and Dr. Sylvia share a common commitment to improving the lives of others. Their compassion, generosity and dedication embody the spirit of the Frist Humanitarian Award and the legacy of Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.