AUBURN HILLS, MI - The WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter honored DeAna Donato with The Detroit Shock and American Red Cross “My Personal Heroes” Award on May 24 on The Palace court at halftime of the Shock home opener vs. Minnesota. Erin Kreis, Chair of the American Red Cross Hero Awards Selection Committee for 2005-06 and member of Board of Directors of the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter, presented the award.

Donato, a senior at Troy Athens High School, was the recipient of the Young Courage Award at the 2006 American Red Cross Hero Awards, presented by General Motors in partnership with the Detroit Pistons. One night in November 2005, the then 16-year-old, witnessed a fight on the street outside of her home. Her neighbor was nearly beaten to death and needed immediate first aid. Donato sprung into action by contacting help and then calming her neighbor until police arrived on the scene. The neighbor sustained severe wounds to his face and could barely breathe due to internal bleeding. After he was taken to the hospital, Donato typed a full description of the events for the police, which lead to the arrest of the attacker. When the time came for the attacker’s trial, Donato stepped up again and testified for 45 minutes, leading to a guilty verdict.

Donato, a basketball player and softball player at Troy Athens High School, plans to attend Rochester College on a basketball scholarship.

The WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes Program is a second-year initiative that encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Shock home game during the 2006 season.

To nominate a hero, who can come from any walk of life, fans only need to complete an on-line nomination form by clicking here, or send name(s), address, phone number and name of school or organization to:

“WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross My Personal Heroes”
The Palace of Auburn Hills
Four Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Only one entry per person per email address per household will be accepted. Please click here for a complete list of rules/regulations and additional information. For more information on the My Personal Heroes program or to purchase tickets for any upcoming home game, please contact The Palace at (248) 377-0100 or click here for more information.

For information on NBA Pistons & WNBA Detroit Shock Community Programming, please visit www.pistons.com or www.detroitshock.com