What do you do after a hero saves your life?  Become a hero to others.  Once his life was saved, Michael Carraway  Jr. formed a group to feed the homeless.  CNN honored Michael for that effort.

Michael Carraway Jr. from Oakland is one of three young people recognized as  a “young wonder” by CNN, the international news network. 

Michael along with his mother, Shaheda, were in Los Angeles on Sunday, Dec. 11 to participate in the annual “CNN Heroes, An All Star Tribute.”  Three young people were selected to be recognized in the program which draws attention to adults and young people who give back to their communities.

Michael, 14, was chosen for the work he's done to feed the homeless as part of "Mikey's Meals" in Oakland.  Were it not for his own health crisis,  Michael might never have launched the effort which thus far has served more than 4,000 meals.

Until late 2008, feeding the homeless was not part of the active typical teenager's game plan.  Then in October, 2008, his health began to quickly deteriorate.  Doctors told his mother  her 11-year-old son faced a grim outlook without a liver transplant quickly.

During the internationally televised honor, Shaheda told the interviewer in late October, a liver became available.  She would later learn that  the family of an 18-year-old from Los Angeles made his desire to become an organ and tissue donor come true.  Michael received a new liver in November, 2008. 

Given the gift of life, he returned to normal health.   In December 2008 his mother asked what he would to "pay that gift forward " -- to help others without asking for anything in return.  Michael formed Mikey's Meal's which began by serving a couple of dozen meals from the trunk of the family car. 

That spirit of giving has lead Michael to be honored locally  and nationally  as well as being featured  on a Nickelodeon network special in September.  

Michael and his family met his donor's family at the Rose Parade in December of 2010 and since, the two families have remained close.