American Red Cross Celebrates 2024 Local Heroes: Eighteen extraordinary individuals to be honored at the 2024 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago announces the 2024 class of heroes to be honored at the annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast. The class of Red Cross Heroes are an exemplary group of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to build better communities, and who have made a lasting impact on others in the process.

The Heroes Breakfast was established to raise public awareness of local heroes who exemplify the values of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. Since 2002, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago has celebrated more than two hundred extraordinary individuals who have made a personal commitment to creating safer and stronger communities and providing help when disaster strikes.

This is the 22^nd year the Red Cross is honoring a class of heroes at our Heroes Breakfast, attended by hundreds of individuals from across Chicagoland. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Hilton Chicago. Over the past 22 years, through the generosity of the corporate and individual donor community, the annual Chicago Heroes Breakfast has raised millions of dollars for the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.

“For the past 22 years, community heroes have graced our breakfast— each dedicated to serving others, saving lives, and providing hope during someone’s darkest moments. I am honored to relay the humanitarian stories of generosity and compassion from each hero and to reflect on the power of the Red Cross mission,” said Celena Roldán Sarillo, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Illinois.

The 2024 Class of Heroes

Heroes in twelve community service categories are being honored this year. Honorees were chosen by an independent committee of leaders in the business and civic community. The Red Cross pays tribute to the 2024 class of heroes through their stories of inspiration outlined below:

Chez Smith of Chicago Heights and Venisha Bonds of Dolton are the Blood Services Heroes.

Gyrls in the H.O.O.D, a Chicago-based non-profit is dedicated to empowering young women with a “Healthy, Optimistic, Outstanding, and Determined” foundation. Led by Chez Smith and Venisha Bonds, the organization launched a free phlebotomy training program to help address workforce challenges faced by women. Recognizing the financial struggles of many of the participants, the organization covered the cost of tuition, books, medical scrubs, and the state exam. With several certified students, Gyrls in the H.O.O.D is helping supply skilled phlebotomists to aid in a crucial field.

Jacqueline Reed of Chicago is the Disaster Relief Hero.

As a longtime Austin resident and community advocate, Jacqueline Reed spearheaded relief efforts in the aftermath of record-breaking floods that devastated the neighborhood in July 2023. As the chair of the Westside Long Term Recovery Group, Reed mobilized resources and volunteers, which have since helped about 75 homes become habitable. Reed’s dedication highlights her lifelong commitment in Austin to building community resilience and supporting those in need.

Steve and Sheila Conner of Oak Park are the Education Heroes.

Steve and Sheila Conner, motivated by their son Stone’s disinterest in traditional math and science education, launched the HEPH Foundation in 2014 to revolutionize STEM learning. Utilizing innovative approaches to learning, such as gaming, sports, and music, the foundation’s materials engage students and foster a lifelong passion for science and technology. Through tailored programs and partnerships with schools in the Chicagoland area and beyond, the Conners have engaged about 20,000 learners in STEM via the program they designed.

Patty Samar of Chicago is the Healthcare Hero.

Patty Samar worked at Rush Medical Center as an apheresis nurse when she met Kirk, a dialysis patient. Samar befriended Kirk and when she learned that his donated kidney was failing, she helped launch a search campaign to find a live donor. Samar also decided to get tested and when she learned she was a match for Kirk’s kidney donation, Samar did not hesitate to give Kirk the lifesaving gift of one of her kidneys.

Nicholas DeLeon of Chicago is the Firefighter Hero.

On July 13, 2023, Firefighter/Paramedic Nicholas DeLeon was on duty at the fire station and was assigned to cook for his colleagues when he realized he needed additional groceries for that evening’s dinner. While at the grocery store, DeLeon encountered an active shooter situation and quickly dialed 9-1-1 for help after which he searched for fellow shoppers to usher them out safely and attend to anyone injured by the shooter.

Nancy Economou of Downers Grove is the Global Citizenship Hero.

As the founder of Watts of Love, Nancy Economou works to provide sustainable solar lighting solutions to communities in need across the globe. After witnessing the dangerous effects of families using kerosene for illumination in the Philippines, she designed a solar light to aid these communities and also to help promote financial literacy, by enabling families to save funds previously spent on kerosene or batteries for entrepreneurship and education, Watts of Love empowers recipients via solar power and also helps them achieve additional financial freedom.

Angela Thompson of Chicago is the Community Impact Hero.

Angela Thompson is a devoted Chicago Public School Safety Crossing Guard, stationed on a busy southside corner, who not only impacts the lives of children daily with her kindness and care on the job, but also through her cherished annual holiday toy drive. Over the past 14 years, Angela has organized this heartwarming initiative, initially single-handedly and now with support from her community. Since 2009, her efforts have reached 3,000 families in the Chicagoland area, highlighting her remarkable commitment to spread love and joy to children.

Kenneth Griffin of Chicago is the Law Enforcement Hero.

Kenneth Griffin, a Chicago Police Youth Officer, founded the non-profit ’No Matter What’ in 2015 with a mission to invest in and support youth to reach their highest potential despite obstacles. Through mentorship, financial literacy, career readiness training, travel and mental health, Griffin works to connect youth to opportunities outside of their neighborhood and simultaneously help them discover the potential within themselves.

Daniel Viayra Chavez of Aurora and Josh Elrod of Sandwich are the Lifesaving Rescue Heroes.

On September 19, 2023, Daniel Viayra Chavez and Josh Elrod, water department employees with the City of Aurora, were doing routine maintenance work on an Aurora neighborhood sewer when they heard cries for ’ayuda’ (help). Both Viayra Chavez and Elrod ran and found an Aurora resident holding an unresponsive one-year-old who was not breathing. Viayra Chavez immediately began performing CPR while Elrod phoned 9-1-1 for help, their efforts helped the child to begin to breathe.

Fred Williams, Jr. of Waukegan is the Military Hero.

Fred Williams, Jr., a veteran of the United States Air Force, serves as the Member Services Manager at the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), where he has mentored and guided approximately 1,000+ youth aged 16 to 24. YCC members, through coaching and mentorship, complete their high school degree and receive training in skilled trades or IT. Inspired by his military background, Fred instills belief and support in the program’s members, emphasizing their potential for success.

Matt DeMateo of Chicago is the Social Justice Hero.

Matt DeMateo, Executive Director at New Life Centers, an arm of New Life Community Church, provides youth programs covering mentorship, education, sports, peace-making, and community care to over 1,700 people each year. Since May 2023, New Life Centers via Matt’s leadership are also a major part of the support and response efforts assisting the recently arrived migrants, by caring for those in shelters and helping over 1,400 families move into permanent housing.

Declan Devlin, Tiernan Devlin, Tommy Nitti, and Charlie Valero of Glen Ellyn are the Youth Heroes.

On a Saturday evening, shortly after school had let out for the summer, classmates and friends Declan and Tiernan Devlin, Tommy Nitti, and Charlie Valero, initially jumped into action to retrieve a wayward remote-control boat in the middle of Lake Ellyn. On their way to the middle of the lake, with their paddle board and life jackets, they soon realized they needed to also pull a drowning man to safety instead.

2024 Heritage Award
In addition to recognizing the exemplary 2024 Class of Heroes, the Red Cross of Greater Chicago will present the prestigious Heritage Award. The Heritage Award is given annually to a civic leader who exemplifies the spirit of heroism and humanitarianism at a distinguished level and demonstrates a long-term commitment to improving the lives of others. The awardee’s actions, deeds, and philanthropic works illustrate the spirit of humanitarianism and echo our mission: to help others prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

The Red Cross is proud to bestow Brett Hart, President of United Airlines with the 2024 Heritage Award. In his role, Hart is responsible for United’s global operations – flight, technical and network operations, inflight services, and safety, and he leads the company’s external-facing functions including government affairs, regulatory, corporate communications, advertising, market and community innovation, legal, global community engagement, environmental sustainability teams, and more. Hart is renowned for the incredible impact he has had on the more than 90,000 employees of United, its customers and our community, through the many programs and initiatives he has guided and influenced.

Thank you to the generous sponsors of the 2024 Illinois Red Cross Heroes Breakfast event, including:

Champion Sponsors: CDW, ITW, Kirkland & Ellis; Inspiring Action Sponsors: Edwardson Family Foundation, Make It Better Foundation; Hero Sponsors: Aon, William Blair, CNA, Fresenius Kabi, KPMG LLP, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Nicor Gas, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., United Airlines, Wintrust; Interactive Technology Sponsors: Elevance Health, Patrick M. and Jennifer Gallagher, Stepan Company; Media Sponsors: CBS 2 Chicago, Make It Better Foundation

VISUALS: Red Cross Heroes headshots may be accessed here.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Dan Janowick champions blood donation after his son’s lifesaving transfusions: “It really does save lives”

Dan Janowick has been familiar with blood donation for most of his life. Growing up, his mom was a nurse and organized the blood drives at their church for about 15 years.  

“I would always hear my mom in the kitchen making phone calls because that’s how it was done back in the 90s,” Dan said. “She would get on the phone and rally everybody who’s given in the past and try to rally their friends, too.” 

Dan said he gave blood a few times in high school, but never became a consistent blood donor. That changed once a member of his family started needing blood transfusions. His son, Will, was born with a rare liver condition, and had multiple transfusions due to complications with the condition over the first 12 years of his life. 

“His condition has the potential to cause internal bleeding,” Dan said. “There were times where he was so pale, and we would need to take him into the emergency room to get an immediate blood transfusion.” 

Fortunately, Will received a liver transplant in October of 2022 and has been doing great since. Dan’s grateful for the relatively smooth path his family has had considering the chronic illness they’ve had to navigate and recognizes how great of an impact blood donation has been. 

“We’ve seen first-hand what a blood transfusion can do to a young person,” Dan said. “Saying that donating blood saves lives is not just a cliche, it really does.” 

Dan was inspired to give back by donating blood more regularly himself. He has also started hosting blood drives three times a year at The Community House, an organization focused on community-based programming in Hinsdale where he currently serves as the executive director. 

“I’m glad I’m able to pay it forward by donating blood and by hosting drives at The Community House, we’re giving others the opportunity to do the same thing,” Dan said. “It also is a way for me to honor all the work my mom did in her community to get people to donate.” 

Dan is grateful for all the people that donated blood products so that he did not have to worry whether it would be available for Will and encourages anyone that is able to donate blood to give it a try. 

“That selfless giving really has made a difference in saving Will’s life,” Dan said. “It’s something that I’m just eternally grateful for.” 

Only 3% of the eligible population donates blood. If you would like to help others who need blood, you can make an appointment today. Visit redcrossblood.org, call 800-RED-CROSS or use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App to sign up at a location near you. 

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Mara Thompson

Mount Carroll woman hits blood donation goal, inspired by father’s fight against Leukemia

Laura Smith of Mount Carroll, Illinois, recently hit a significant blood donor milestone. At the Savanna Community Blood Drive in February, Laura made her 100th donation.

While this is an exciting achievement on its own, it was extra special for Laura, who set this goal for herself 17 years ago after her dad was diagnosed with Leukemia.

“I’m really glad that I made this goal for myself to get to 100 times of giving blood,” Laura said. “What is so nice about it is I thought that when he found out he had leukemia 17 years ago, I would be doing it in his memory, but that’s not the case.”

Laura’s father, Don, has always been a huge advocate for donating blood and was alerted that he should go to the doctor after trying to give blood like he regularly did 17 years ago, but flags were raised when they tested his blood.

“As an American and as a citizen, my dad believes you should vote and you should give blood,” Laura said. “So that was just kind of his philosophy, and he would be a lifelong donor if he could, but I feel lucky I can continue to donate in his honor.”

Now Don is healthy and cancer-free at 85 years old. Laura is happy she met her goal, and she can share her accomplishment with her dad.

“I think that’s fantastic,” Laura’s Father, Don Mall said. “I gave 74 times and I was planning to go to 100 and beyond, but I had to stop once I got cancer.” 

“I was just ecstatic because I truly didn’t think that I would be able to do it in my father’s lifetime,” Laura said. “For me, it was just a great feeling, and it was an accomplishment that’s very personal for me.”

Beyond being proud of achieving her goal during her father’s life, Laura is also proud of the lifesaving work she is doing by donating blood.

“I’ve never had a bad experience giving blood,” Laura said. “Just to know that I can help someone, a complete stranger, just by taking an hour out of my day, is worth it for me to make donating blood a priority.”

Thank you, Laura, for your dedication to being a blood donor and part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood, all from generous blood donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of eligible people donate blood each year.

Help us meet patients’ needs. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to secure a blood donation appointment near you.

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Mara Thompson

“If your blood is red—there’s a really good chance someone needs it desperately to live.”

Jason is a 0- blood type donor whose dedication to being a donor was born by the desire to be part of the solution knowing that his blood type is the most often requested by hospitals.

“I can’t wrap my arms around why more people don’t donate blood. It is something so simple and painless and the number of lives you can save in just one year is humbling. Imagine the difference you made in that person’s life and their family. I donate blood to help those that need it,” shared Jason.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries and it all starts with one person making a generous donation.

“Don’t wait to have the need happen to you to realize the importance of having donated blood available.”

Thank you, Jason, for your dedication to being a blood donor and part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. We look forward to welcoming you at many blood drives to come!

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and all from generous blood donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood each year.

Help us meet patient needs. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to secure a blood donation appointment near you.

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Connie Esparza

Phlebotomist Robyn Tutt finds her true calling: “This is what I was supposed to do”

A decade ago, Robyn Tutt didn’t know much about the American Red Cross or how important blood donations can be to patients in need.

In the ten years since becoming a phlebotomist, she has grown to become an advocate for blood donations, a heartfelt spokesperson for those fighting sickle cell disease and has found the profession she plans to do until the day she retires. 

Tutt’s best friend first signed her up for an interview with the Red Cross in 2014; initially against her wishes as she was afraid of needles, let alone collecting blood donations. 

“When I got into it, I was nervous and I was scared, but it was very interesting.” Tutt said. “I learned why people donate, what the reasons were and just how important blood was. It was something I never knew because it was something that I always shied away from.” 

Tutt credited the diligent work of her trainers for taking her through everything she needed to learn to officially become a phlebotomist while answering the many questions she had along the way. 

Shortly after her first poke, Tutt began to learn about how important blood donations are to the treatment of those battling diseases, involved in trauma and much more. 

“I started reading up on it and I found out that many can’t survive without this, they just truly can’t,” Tutt said. 

This newfound realization then hit home for Tutt as her mother was diagnosed with cancer and received many blood transfusions alongside her chemo and radiation treatments. 

“I saw firsthand how important it was for her to receive those transfusions,” Tutt said. “That’s when I decided to make that my life mission, to make sure that blood was on hand.” 

“There were a lot of times when they didn’t have enough blood and they would call and tell my mom that she couldn’t come in today because they didn’t have enough blood, but she could come in tomorrow.” 

It was while going to her mother’s appointments that Tutt was first introduced to people battling sickle cell disease. She would meet and talk to parents and kids with the inherited red blood disorder while visiting the hospital.  

Through these interactions and her own research, Tutt learned how the painful disease can impact the lives of families. 

It’s estimated that around 100,000 Americans, mostly Black or African American, have sickle cell disease. People with the disease may receive as many as 100 units of blood each year as part of their treatment. 

Blood needed to treat the disease must contain specific antigens that are primarily found in the blood of the Black or African American community. 

“They were suffering as bad as they were because they needed blood, and we didn’t have it on hand,” Tutt said. “It’s because a lot of people in my culture don’t donate. I wanted to tell people how important it was for us to do it because our culture wasn’t giving enough blood for our kids.” 

Tutt then began working with the American Red Cross to organize Sick Cell Drives to encourage members of her community and culture to donate blood to those in need, especially those battling sickle cell. 

She worked with her local community groups to host drives and began spreading important information about how donations can help those around her to family, friends and everyone in her community that would listen. 

As she now prepares for her fourth drive in March, she has seen growth from each drive she hosts and has been encouraged to see members of her culture roll up their sleeves to help others. 

“It’s very important for me to keep doing this because I love it,” Tutt said. “I love this job because every time I see a person come in this door, I know that they are helping save lives. They are old, young, and middle-aged and they want to help.” 

While advocating for blood donations began as something that Tutt did for a profession, it continued to become more of a life that she lives after her daughter was diagnosed with colon cancer and was given until April to live 

“I was there with her for about three months and my baby had to have a transfusion every other day,” Tutt said. “Every other day she had to get that transfusion because she can’t take the chemo without it. I’m there looking at this bag of blood going into my kid and thinking that if these people don’t come out and donate, she wouldn’t have access to this.” 

Tutt became grateful for the blood her daughter received from strangers throughout the country. Inspired by this generosity, Tutt hopes to continue encouraging everyone she meets to donate blood and help others when they can. 

“It can hit home at any time,” Tutt said. “This is such an important thing to do for me. My heart goes out to everyone that walks through the door because I know how important it is.” 

From being afraid of needles and shying away from blood drives, Tutt has since grown to be a true blood donor advocate who strives to help those in her community and beyond. And in her own words she has found her true calling. 

“I’m going to do this for the rest of my life,” Tutt said. “I think this is what I was supposed to do. You meet so many people from so many different walks of life and we all bleed the same color. You don’t see color; you just see that this is going to help sustain somebody’s life.”

Written by Communications Manager Jayce Eustice

Jessica Bloodgood’s Commitment to Being a Blood Donor

A blood donor since her high school years, it wasn’t until 2017 when her mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer that being a blood donor became a deeply personal commitment for Jessica.

“I didn’t realize how critical donated blood was and continues to be until my mom was undergoing treatment. I work for the American Cancer Society, and I know the staggering stats on how many people are diagnosed with cancer every minute (3 people are diagnosed with cancer every minute) — we need blood donors at that same rate.”

Pictured: Jessica (right) during a recent donation; Jessica’s mother (left) receiving a blood transfusion during one of her treatments.

This year, 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, and needing a blood transfusion can be an essential part of going through cancer treatment. For those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, a blood transfusion might give them relief from some symptoms and improve their quality of life.

“Donating blood is so easy and it has a monumental impact on a patient undergoing cancer treatments. Not to mention – there are benefits for you, the donor, in the process. My father-in-law was a regular blood donor and as a result of his blood donation in 2018, he was alerted to his blood levels being off and was encouraged to see his doctor. My father-in-law was diagnosed with very early stages of leukemia all because of the screening process the American Red Cross did on his blood donation. While my mother succumbed to cancer after a valiant fight, my father-in-law continues his treatments and advocates for blood donations every chance he gets.”

“Also, with a last name like Bloodgood, I’m the perfect blood donor! Not to mention the many reasons that connect me to being an advocate,” shared Jessica.

Cancer patients use nearly 25% of the blood supply, which is more than patients fighting any other disease, but only 3% of the population donate blood each year. A sufficient blood supply is critical to providing timely care for patients.

The American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time. When you donate blood or platelets you’re helping cancer patients receive the lifesaving care they need.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org to a blood drive or donation center in your area to give blood or platelets. You can dedicate your donation to someone affected by cancer after your donation.

Written by Connie Esparza, Communications Manager

Emily & Elliot Alanis: Unexpected Blood Recipients

Excitedly awaiting the arrival of her son, Emily Alanis was diagnosed with high blood pressure which prompted an emergency Caesarean-section (C-section). It was during her C-section that her medical team discovered that Emily had a rare blood disorder that causes low platelet levels—a condition that was passed on to her son putting their lives at risk. Thankfully, the generosity of blood donors and the availability of blood when they most needed it, helped save both their lives.

“Immediately upon birth, my son needed blood and platelets. If someone hadn’t shown up that week to donate platelets, me and my son’s story would have had a very different outcome. The simple act of giving blood not only saved his life but impacted the trajectory of our entire family.”

Currently, up to 3% of all birthing parents receive blood transfusions postpartum. It’s in moments like these—where every second counts—that the generosity of blood donors becomes critically important.

“Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would have a personal blood donation story. Waiting until you or someone you know needs blood to live is too late. My message to everyone – be a regular blood donor. Help make sure those shelves are stocked with all blood types so it’s there when someone critically needs it to live. We all have the ability to donate blood – it’s the easiest thing you can do, and it only costs you a little bit of your time.”

With as many as 60,000 births in the U.S. impacted by unexpected labor or delivery complications, it’s very likely that you, or someone you know, required the blood of donors. You can help expectant and new parents overcome unexpected challenges, offering them the chance to celebrate a lifetime of milestones with their newborn babies. All blood types are needed to ensure a robust and diverse blood supply is available when patients need it most.

Don’t wait—start saving lives by securing a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Connie Esparza

Andrew Berryman uses second chance at life to help others

In May of 2012, Andrew Berryman was on his summer break after his freshman year of college when he went to the hospital for what was scheduled to be a routine tonsillectomy. But an allergic reaction to the anesthesia nearly cost Andrew his life.

“It caused heart and lung failure,” Andrew said. “The doctors tried working on me and nothing seemed to work. They had to medevac me into another hospital. I was on an ECMO machine for 52 hours until my femoral artery in my left leg ripped open, causing kidney failure and at that point, that’s when I needed a blood products.”

The doctors brought Andrew’s heart back and induced him into a coma, where he stayed for nine days. Once he woke up, doctors told him he had suffered four strokes and his body had suffered so much trauma it was equivalent to getting hit by two semi-trucks.

Andrew was determined to make it back to college in the fall, but his recovery wasn’t easy.

“It was a ton of rehab. I did speech, physical therapy, occupational therapy, then I’d go to lunch and go back and do more of the same,” he said. “It would be six hours a day, six days a week. I was learning how to walk, carry glass of water, how to type, you name it.”

If it wasn’t for the blood products Andrew received, he wouldn’t be here today. Even with them, his doctors told him he beat all odds making a full recovery.

“All the doctors were on the same page that I shouldn’t be alive and that it’s a miracle,” Andrew said. Even to the point of if doctors were misplaced in the hospital, if things had been off by a minute, I wouldn’t have made it.”

Andrew knew he had to take this second lease on life with more meaning and purpose than ever before, which is why he started working for the Red Cross of Illinois in 2023. Andrew is an account manager on the Blood Collections Team where he helps organize, set up and run blood drives across his region of Illinois.

“I’m here for a reason and it was to help people,” he said. “Knowing that I am having a direct part in saving lives has made everything worth it to this moment. I’m very lucky to be here, not just physically, but also with the Red Cross.”

Andrew encourages everyone to give blood because you never know when you might need it. He certainly wasn’t expecting to when he went into the hospital back in 2012.

“You have no idea the life you’re going to save with that donation or what kind of impact it can have,” he said.

Andrew Berryman (second from left) with Red Cross volunteers and staff at the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive (January 17, 2024).

While Andrew admits his story isn’t always easy to talk about, if it can encourage others to donate blood and help save lives just like his was saved, it’s worth it.

“You can change the world even if it’s just a little bit each day,” Andrew said. “And by donating blood, you’re taking a big step towards that.”

Written by Communications Manager Mara Thompson

Tiffany Circle supports 10th Annual ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive as Signature Sponsor

The 10^th Annual ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive is being held January 17 – 18, 2024. For the first time, Tiffany Circle is the Signature Sponsor for the event. 

The Tiffany Circle is a community of women leaders who advance the American Red Cross mission through a focused investment of time, talent, and treasure by engaging women locally, nationally and internationally. 

As the lead sponsor, Tiffany Circle is helping to ensure the Red Cross can collect thousands of units of lifesaving blood at the biggest blood drive in the nation. For people with cancer, trauma patients, premature babies and transplant recipients, the availability of blood can mean the difference between life and death. As a national network, the Red Cross has a responsibility to meet the demand for blood and help ensure it is available for patients whenever and wherever it is needed, including to service the over 28 hospitals in the Chicagoland area. 

Get to know some of our Tiffany Circle members

Kimberly Falk, an exemplary member of the Tiffany Circle since 2013, stands out for her exceptional commitment to the American Red Cross’s mission. Beyond her membership in Tiffany Circle, Kimberly has played a pivotal role, notably most recently raising funds for a new Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and annually organizing blood drives in her late husband Scott’s memory. Scott, a leader on Red Cross of Greater Chicago Board of Directors for 12 years, left an enduring legacy of dedication and active participation in blood donation efforts. To honor Scott’s memory, Kimberly has hosted the annual blood drive coinciding with Scott’s birthday since 2019. Through the five years, this blood drive has collected hundreds of units of blood to help patients in need. Kimberly’s steadfast dedication, evident in her diverse contributions, truly enhances the Red Cross community, embodying the essence of the Tiffany Circle spirit.

Susan Noyes, a member of the American Red Cross Greater Chicago Board and Tiffany Circle, demonstrates a profound commitment to humanitarian causes. Susan joined the Tiffany Circle in 2012 and is also an active board member. Her connection to the Red Cross deepened as she discovered her husband’s family’s historical ties to the organization, with ancestors closely associated with Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Susan’s contributions extend beyond her work with the Red Cross; as the founder of Make It Better Foundation, she advocates for a life with greater social impact. Her innovative storytelling and fundraising efforts have proven highly effective, offering support to those in need.

“I have never seen an organization make a donated dollar go further,” Susan Noyes said.

Celena Sarillo exhibits an unwavering commitment to the organization’s humanitarian mission as a Tiffany Circle member and CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois. In her role, Sarillo oversees the extensive operations of the Red Cross across 88 counties in Illinois as well as four counties in Iowa and four in Missouri. Her leadership extends beyond the local level, as she has played roles supporting the national office of the American Red Cross. Celena’s dedication is evident in her deployment as an elected official liaison, engaging policymakers in disaster-impacted areas, and her significant contribution as one of the founders of the American Red Cross Latino Engagement Initiative. Her remarkable achievements have garnered recognition, including being honored as the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Social Work. Additionally, she earned a place among Chicago’s “Most Powerful Latinos” in Crain’s Chicago Business’ inaugural 2019 list. Notably, the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago named Sarillo the 2016 Community Leader of the Year, highlighting her exceptional contributions to communities and the nonprofit sector.

Cheryl Scott, a meteorologist for ABC 7 Chicago, brings a unique perspective to her involvement with the Red Cross, combining her passion for weather forecasting with a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts. Cheryl’s connection with the Red Cross began during her time as a meteorologist in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she witnessed the devastating impact of tornadoes in April 2011. While assessing the damage on the ground after the storms, Cheryl noted the immediate presence of American Red Cross volunteers. This experience marked the beginning of her relationship with the organization, prompting her to become a volunteer and later join the board of directors and Tiffany Circle once she relocated to Chicago. Cheryl was instrumental in getting the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive started and has continued to be the face of the event during the it’s growth over the last 10 years. What started as a one-day event that collected a few hundred units of blood, has turned into a two-day, multi-location event encompassing all of Chicagoland and collecting more than 2,000 units of blood, making it the largest blood drive in the country for the Red Cross.

Joyce Trimuel finds immense fulfillment in her involvement with the Red Cross as a member of Tiffany Circle and the Greater Chicago Board of Directors. Joyce was first drawn to the organization because of the lifesaving impact it had on three of her childhood friends living with sickle cell disease, as the Red Cross collects about 40% of the nation’s blood supply with a commitment to having a diverse blood donor base. Since getting involved in 2017, Joyce’s dedication has only deepened as she has seen the efforts required for the organization to respond in times of crisis. One of her most cherished moments involves participating in the Sound the Alarm campaign in 2019, where she witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the Red Cross in the North Lawndale community by installing free smoke alarms. Working alongside a friend and fellow volunteer who grew up on the very block they were on, they received a warm welcome from former neighbors who shared their appreciation for the Red Cross’s support and resources in their community.

“For those who may be considering getting involved with the Red Cross, I would highly encourage them to join our team! There is something for everyone and no level of contribution is too small,” Joyce Trimuel said.

You can support the Great Chicago Blood Drive by scheduling an appointment to donate  here or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also make a monetary contribution to help get lifesaving blood to patients when and where they need it. Gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 by Tiffany Circle members Kimberly Falk, Susan Noyes, and the Make It Better Foundation. 

Learn more about the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive here.  

 If you are interested in exploring membership in the Tiffany Circle, please contact Illinoistiffanycircle@redcross.org.

Brittany’s story: “I never donated blood thinking that I might need it someday”

Brittany Kesel of Nashville, Illinois says her history of being a blood donor starts back in high school. Growing up with a family that prioritized donating blood, Brittany said it was something that just made sense to do once she was old enough. 

“If there was a blood drive at my high school, I would typically give,” Brittany said. “And then once I got to college, if there was one on campus, I would always try to donate there as well.” 

Once Brittany graduated from college and became busy with her career and her family, giving blood fell off her radar a bit. But in March of 2021, Brittany went through something that reminded her of the lifesaving importance of blood donations. Brittany was six weeks pregnant when she tragically began to hemorrhage.  

“For some reason my body was not having it,” Brittany said. “As I was beginning to hemorrhage, I had one unit of blood transfused in the ER and then I was released. But a couple days later I went back to my doctor for a checkup and my hemoglobin levels were so low that I had to have two more units of blood transfused, so I had a total of three units of blood.” 

The heartbreak of losing a baby was all Brittany and her husband could think about. It wasn’t until her doctor started sharing with her that if she had not made it to the hospital when she did, her life may have been at risk as well. The blood transfusions helped save Brittany’s life.  

“I never donated blood thinking that I might need it someday,” Brittany said. “But then I did, and I’m very thankful that blood was there because I had a 5-year-old when I had my miscarriage and needed the blood transfusion. So that’s when donating blood became important to me.” 

Now Brittany tries to donate whenever she can, even though her life has become busier than ever before. In December of 2021, she and her husband were ecstatic to find out she was pregnant again, and now they have one-year-old twins!  

Brittany says regardless of whether someone may need a blood transfusion during their lifetime, donating blood is an easy way to give back, and she’s grateful it was there for her. 

“You never know what’s going to happen,” Brittany said. “What if my blood could help someone else or maybe even a family member that may need a blood transfusion? So anytime that we can put it out there and help people, then there’s no reason not to.” 

Donors of all blood types are always needed, with a focus on the need for platelet donors and type O blood donors to make an appointment to give now to ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care.  

If you would like to donate, schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. 

Written by Communications Manager Mara Thompson