Before its Dec. 8, 2020, National Football League game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Baltimore Ravens named Johns Hopkins Hospital staff member Joseph Wice as a “Hometown Hero.” The award honors line-of-duty heroes, such as first responders and military members, and “everyday heroes” who have distinguished themselves in their careers or in service to the community.

Wice has worked as an environmental care (EVC) associate at The Johns Hopkins Hospital since 2017. Before he began his current job, Wice was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. After a four-year battle — including nearly four months in the hospital and 1 1/2 years of chemotherapy — Wice’s cancer went into remission in September 2016.

Since he started working at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Wice has used his story of recovery to inspire and connect with patients he meets through his work on the surgical intensive care unit. “It may not be the same illness they are going through, but I do it because I actually understand the position they’re in,” Wice says.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, Wice stepped up to provide much-needed assistance even though he is considered immunocompromised. With his oncologist’s approval, Wice took on additional shifts to help as more and more patients with COVID-19 were admitted. This required him to don personal protective equipment to do his job.

“Environmental care is the first line of defense against germs,” Wice says. “It all starts with us.”

“Every time I see Joe, he is working so hard, and has the most positive attitude,” says Lauren Potter, a registered respiratory therapist who works in the same unit with Wice. “He never complains, and goes above and beyond without being asked. Joe is a positive influence on us all.”

Wice is thankful for being recognized as a Baltimore Ravens Hometown Hero and calls the honor “exciting and humbling.” He’s just as proud of the work he does at the hospital.

“I love coming there,” Wice says. “I love working for Johns Hopkins.”

Wice is one of eight recipients of the Hometown Hero award this football season and received tickets to a Ravens game next season. The team also saluted Wice in a video posted on its website.

Wice is available for media interviews.