SAN DIEGO — A San Diego veterinarian's non-profit, Project Street Vet, has been named CNN Hero of the Year for the medical care he provides to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.
His name is Dr. Kwane Stewart and beat ten other honorees on Sunday during CNN's Heroes of the Year awards ceremony hosted by Anderson Cooper and Laura Coates.
CBS 8 followed him through East Village last year as he treated pets and even helped donate a new car to a homeless veteran who was living on the streets with his dog.
"An act of kindness or gesture can change somebody’s life," said Stewart.
His dream started as a little boy.
"I was a promising track athlete and my coach came up to me and I said 'I’m going to be a veterinarian' and he chuckled and said 'I've never met a black veterinarian' and I said 'I’ll be the first,'" said Stewart.
His journey was challenging since he thought about quitting after he was forced to euthanize an increasing number of animals that were being surrendered.
That’s when he decided to switch gears and help pets living on the streets.
"That was the moment, that’s when I said I’m going to get back to saving animals on my terms and I’m going to do it for passion not pay," said Stewart.
Today, he can treat 80% of the cases he sees with just a small bag at no cost to the people he helps, and hopes to continue to aid pets across the country.
A hero who doesn’t do this for the awards, but instead to spread kindness; even surprising the crowd with one more act of generosity at the award ceremony.
"This wasn’t planned, but this $100,000; I want to split with all of you. I’m honored to know you," said Stewart.
WATCH RELATED: 'Project Street Vet' giving veterinary care to pets of owners experiencing homelessness