wfn.org | Metropolitan Community Churches' Member Awarded Carnegie Medal

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CONTACT:
Metropolitan Community Churches
8704 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA  90069
Tel. 310-360-8640
Website: www.MCCchurch.org

Almost two years after Nancy "Bo" Browning took a bullet for a stranger in 
the parking lot of Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church in Pensacola, 
Florida, she was presented the prestigious Carnegie Medal at the very church
where 
the incident occurred.
The national (US) award, named after late industrialist and philanthropist 
Andrew Carnegie, recognizes citizens in the United States and Canada who risk

their lives to save other people at risk.
Since its inception in 1904, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has awarded 
more than 8,700 people with Carnegie Medals.
"It was an extraordinarily brave thing for her to do," said Doug Chambers, 
managing director of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. "Do we not all wonder
if 
we would have the wherewithal to do what she did if the same situation 
happened to us?"
On April 28, 2002, Browning was on her way to the church's 11 a.m. service 
when she heard a gunshot and ran toward the sound. Browning saw a woman later

identified as Joyce Anderson running toward her. Another woman, Andrea Cobb,
was 
waving a gun. Both women were strangers to Browning.
Browning told Anderson to get behind her, thinking that Cobb would not shoot 
with an innocent bystander in the way. But Cobb fired the gun, and the bullet

struck Browning in the stomach. Cobb, who was 61 at the time of the shooting,

will serve 25 years in prison.
Three surgeries later, Browning is permanently paralyzed on her right side 
from her hip down. She needs a special cane to get around.
The road to recovery was rough. Browning credits her former companion, Carmen

Conley, Holy Cross Pastor Sandy O'Steen and church members for their 
assistance and prayers during her recovery.
"She laid down her life not for a friend but for a complete stranger," 
O'Steen said. "It says to me that her actions are motivated by a love for
humanity."
While Browning and Conley no longer are together, Browning said she will 
dedicate the award Sunday to Conley.
Browning is the 15th person from Pensacola to receive a Carnegie Medal since 
1904. Most past medal winners were honored for saving people from drowning in

local waters. Chambers said it seemed like a large number for a city of 
Pensacola's size.
The 15 medal winners are a reflection of the character of people in 
Pensacola, O'Steen said.
"That seems to be a significant number to our little city," she said. "I 
think it's indicative of the Southern tradition of caring for one another."
Browning said she feels humbled and honored by the award. Even given the 
suffering she's been through since being shot, Browning said she would do it
again.
"I don't know why I did it," she said. "Am I crazy? Am I a fool? Am I a 
glutton for punishment? I don't think so. I would do anything to help
anybody."
(END)