San Mateo, CA, May 3, 1996 -- Every two years we are inspired by watching the best young athletes in the world compete for honors of Gold, Silver, and Bronze. We are touched by their commitment to excellence, their hard work and discipline, and most of all, by the stories of how they became the kind of individuals who could rise to the top. We swell up with pride as the athletes from our country step forward and give their very best in what is usually a once-in-a-lifetime effort. There are, however, other Olympic Heroes: individuals chosen to represent the best, not in athletics, but in life. They are honored, not for a once-in-a-lifetime competition, but because of a life of service. These individuals have been chosen, from thousands who were nominated, to carry the Olympic Torch as it passes through America on its journey from Greece to Georgia. Dr. Alan Greene is one of these outstanding individuals. According to Billy Payne, president and CEO of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, "These people embrace what is best about America. The sacred Flame is a time-honored icon of peace, friendship and humanitarianism."

Dr. Greene was chosen for this prestigious award because of his involvement in the rescue efforts during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. At the time he was a Resident at Oakland Children's Hospital.

At 5:07 p.m. on October 17, 1989, Dr. Greene should have been on the Bay Bridge, but the emergency room at Oakland Children's Hospital was unusually busy that day. So he worked late. He was still at the hospital when the police frantically called for volunteers to help in the rescue effort. Without hesitation, Dr. Greene rushed to the collapsed Cypress highway structure. He spent the next 48 hours risking his life by crawling through the fragile tons of concrete, aware that with each aftershock he could become the next casualty. During this time he did not rest or talk with the media. Until now his efforts have not been publicly recognized.

Dr. Greene's service to humanity did not stop at the end of the rescue efforts following the earthquake. He continues to serve, not only his local community, but also the World Wide Community through this Website.

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