Coast Mental Health launched the call for nominations to give people a chance to recognize someone who has overcome adversity and made a difference in the lives of others.

Previous local recipients include Zosia Ettenberg in 2008, and Jessica Brimacombe in 2009.

"Each year, as I meet the honorees and learn their stories, I am struck afresh by the remarkable resilience of the human spirit,' said awards chair Lorne Segal.

Those chosen will be honoured at a gala May 17 in Vancouver.

The award categories:

Mental Health: A person who has demonstrated inspirational achievements overcoming the challenges of living with a major mental illness, and who has given back to his or her community.

Physical Rehabilitation: A person who has demonstrated inspirational achievements following major trauma or injury which has required extensive physical rehabilitation (perhaps sustained in an auto accident, at work or during a recreational pursuit), and who has given back to his or her community.

Medical: A person who has demonstrated inspirational achievements overcoming the challenges of serious medical conditions (such as cancer, heart disease or AIDS), and who has given back to his or her community.

Addiction: A person who has demonstrated inspirational achievements overcoming the challenges of addiction and has maintained recovery for at least the past five years, and who has given back to his or her community.

Social Adversity: A person who has demonstrated inspirational achievements in the face of discrimination, abuse, poverty, or other significant adversity, and who has given back to his or her community. (In the case of new British Columbians, it may be the result of political upheaval or war experienced before settling here.)

Youth: A young person, under the age of 22 years as of Dec. 31, 2008, who has demonstrated inspirational achievements overcoming illness, injury, addiction, or social adversity, and who has given back to his or her community.