Para Gabriela, su hija de 5 años y su hermano, era un día rutinario, hasta que dejó de serlo. “Estaba en el trabajo cuando mi hermano me llamó para que me apresurara a volver a casa porque nuestro edificio de apartamentos estaba en llamas y estábamos perdiendo todas nuestras cosas. Las horas y los días siguientes, mi cabeza estaba nublada y no podía entender qué tenía que hacer a continuación y cómo empezar de nuevo”.
Perder su casa en un incendio no es sólo la pérdida del lugar donde vive, su lugar de comodidad y seguridad, sino también la pérdida de tantas cosas de valor como fotografías, documentos, objetos preciados y la pérdida de la rutina conocida.
Gabriela recuerda: “Nunca en un millón de años imaginé la posibilidad de sufrir un incendio en mi hogar. Cuando veia cómo el edificio ardía en llamas, pensé: ‘Bueno, ¿y ahora qué? Estamos en la calle, sin hogar, ¿qué vamos a hacer? a donde vamos a ir ¿ Y lo más importante, ¿cómo iba a explicarle esta tremenda pérdida a mi hija que afortunadamente estaba en la guardería en ese momento? No sabía qué hacer a continuación y mucho menos pensar en las palabras que necesitaba usar para asegurarle que íbamos a estar bien”.
Durante las siguientes semanas después del incendio, Gabriela y algunos de sus vecinos encontraron refugio en un refugio de la Cruz Roja y Gabriela recuerda: “En el refugio, mi hija se aclimató muy bien gracias a los voluntarios de la Cruz Roja. Cada voluntario que conocimos nos trató con mucha amabilidad y compasión. A mi hija, los voluntarios de la Cruz Roja le proporcionaron juguetes de peluche y materiales para colorear, se tomaron el tiempo para sentarse con ella a dibujar y colgar sus obras de arte en el refugio. Mi hija entendió que lo habíamos perdido todo, pero el cuidado y la amabilidad de los voluntarios de la Cruz Roja lograron que ella no sintiera la pérdida tan inmensamente. Por eso, estoy eternamente agradecido”.
“No puedo decirlo de otra manera: los voluntarios de la Cruz Roja fueron ángeles que en cuestión de horas reemplazaron los medicamentos de mi hija y localizaron un lugar seguro para que nos quedáramos, luego durante días nos cuidaron las 24 horas del día y se aseguraron de que estábamos bien”.
Los voluntarios son el alma de la Cruz Roja y representan el 90% de la fuerza laboral. Después de un incendio doméstico, los voluntarios de la Cruz Roja trabajan con los departamentos de bomberos locales para conectarse con las familias impactadas para brindarles servicios como alojamiento de emergencia, asistencia financiera y apoyo emocional.
“Mientras estaba afuera del edificio en llamas, sin saber a quién llamar para pedir ayuda, apareció la Cruz Roja. Gracias a la Cruz Roja, tuvimos refugio seguro, comidas, asistencia financiera, atención espiritual, asistencia para la recuperación, servicios de salud y mucho más. Con su apoyo, pude aclarar mi mente y ponerme a trabajar en la recuperación para poder hacer que mi familia volviera a la rutina que conocíamos”.
La Cruz Roja responde a 60.000 desastres al año, y la gran mayoría de ellos son incendios domésticos. A través de desastres grandes y pequeños, los voluntarios están listos para responder al llamado de ayuda para proporcionar alimentos, refugio, suministros de socorro, consuelo, planificación de recuperación y otra asistencia para ayudar a las personas en su momento de mayor necesidad.
“Las palabras más dulces de mi hija cuando nos mudamos a nuestro nuevo apartamento: ‘¡Tenemos un hogar otra vez!’ Un nuevo hogar, un nuevo comienzo, todo gracias a La Cruz Roja. Ahora hago una donación a la Cruz Roja porque sé lo que significa que alguien aparezca después de una pérdida devastadora y le den la mano a uno. Mi deseo es que otros también contribuyan porque cada poquito hace una diferencia muy significativa durante uno de los momentos mas obscuros de la vida”.
For Gabriela, her 5-year-old daughter, and brother, it was a routine day – until it wasn’t. “I was at work when my brother called me to hurry home because our apartment building was on fire, and we were losing all our things. The hours and days after, my head was cloudy, and I couldn’t grasp what I needed to do next and how to get started.”
Losing your home in a fire is not only the loss of the place where you live, your place of comfort and safety, but it’s also the loss of so many things of value such as photos, documents, treasured objects, and the loss of the routine you knew.
Gabriela recalls, “Never in a million years did I ever imagine the possibility of experiencing a home fire. When I stood there and watched the building going up in flames, I thought to myself, ‘Well – now what? We’re on the street, with no home — what are we going to do? Where are we going to go? And most importantly, how was I going to explain this tremendous loss to my daughter who thankfully was in daycare at that time. I didn’t know what to do next much less think of the words I needed to use to reassure her that we were going to be okay.”
For the next couple of weeks following the fire, Gabriela and some of her neighbors found refuge at a Red Cross shelter and Gabriela remembers, “At the shelter, my daughter acclimated so well because of the Red Cross volunteers. Every volunteer we met treated us with so much kindness and compassion. To my daughter, Red Cross volunteers provided stuffed animals and coloring supplies, they took time to sit down with her to draw and hang up her artwork around the shelter. My daughter understood we had lost everything, but the care and kindness of the Red Cross volunteers made it so that she didn’t feel the loss too immensely. For that, I’m eternally grateful.”
“I can’t say it any other way – the Red Cross volunteers were angels who in a matter of hours replaced my daughter’s medications and located a safe place for us to stay, then for days watched over us 24 hours a day and made sure we were okay.”
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross and comprise 90% of the workforce. After a home fire, Red Cross volunteers work with local fire departments to connect with families for needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance and emotional support.
“As I stood outside of the burning building, not knowing who to call for help, the Red Cross showed up to lend a hand. Because of the Red Cross, we had safe shelter, meals, financial assistance, spiritual care, recovery assistance, health services, and so much more. With their guidance, I was able to clear my head and get to work with recovery so I could get my family back to the routine we knew.”
The Red Cross responds to 60,000 disasters a year — and the vast majority of these are home fires. Through disasters big and small, volunteers stand ready to answer the call for help to provide food, shelter, relief supplies, comfort, recovery planning and other assistance to help people in their time of greatest need.
“The sweetest words from my daughter when we moved into our new apartment, ‘We have a home again!’ A new home, a new start, all because of the guidance of the patient and generous Red Cross volunteers. I donate to the Red Cross now because I know what it means to have someone show up after a devastating loss. My wish is that others chip in too because every little bit makes such a significant difference during one of the worst moments in one’s life.”
Learn how you can volunteer or donate at redcross.org.
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 22nd 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 theDisaster 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 theFirefighter 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 Economouof Downers Grove is theGlobal 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 Thompsonof Chicago is theCommunity 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 Griffinof Chicago is theLaw 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 Elrodof Sandwich are theLifesaving 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 theMilitary 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 Valeroof Glen Ellyn are theYouth 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.
TheRed 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.
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.
In the early hours of January 19th, Ashley Metcalfe and her family experienced a nightmare that no one should endure – a home fire that left them without their possessions and a place to call home.
As Ashley recalled the events of that morning, the smell of smoke jolted her awake around 4 a.m. and panic set in as she rushed through the apartment, searching for the source. The next thing she knew, the Chicago Fire Department was banging on her door telling her to evacuate.
“It’s 10 degrees out, it’s the crack of dawn, and there are 8 to 10 fire trucks blocking the entire road,” Ashley said. “There were about 40 firemen outside, and 10 police officers, I couldn’t believe it.”
Luckily, Ashley’s three children were staying the night with her sister, but she and her partner Arnold stood outside with the other neighbors watching the firefighters battle the flames that had started in the apartment next to hers. Eventually after several hours of working to put out the blaze, Ashley and Arnold were allowed back into their unit, only to find it submerged in several feet of water.
“Once we get back inside our unit, being the basement unit, it is flooded in about five or six feet of water,” Ashley said. “Everything we have, appliances, TVs, mattresses, our bed frames, clothes, every single thing we owned, we lost it all. Everything was gone.”
The aftermath left Ashley’s family grappling with the emotional and financial toll of their losses. They reached out to multiple emergency services seeking assistance.
“We were going through a really tough time and everything we worked for washed away, literally,” Ashley said. “It didn’t seem like we were getting the assistance we needed at that point. We were stressed mentally, stressed financially, stressed spiritually, you know especially on the kids, they literally cried because they missed their toys.”
As that first evening approached, they were starting to lose hope until they connected with the Red Cross of Illinois. Volunteers helped secure the family a hotel room for the night, but that was only the first step of the organization’s assistance. Ashley said the Red Cross helped with essential needs such as gas for their car, a security deposit for their temporary apartment, and even uniforms for her children so they could dress for school properly.
“You don’t know how impactful even that was because when it felt like the world was caving in, it was only the Red Cross that helped us,” Ashley said. “We are more than grateful; we owe the Red Cross more than our lives.”
The family is hoping to get back into their original apartment once updates from the water damage are complete. As they work towards recovery, Ashley is just grateful to have her family by her side and that the Red Cross was there to help when she didn’t know where else to turn in the immediate aftermath.
“The Red Cross services are amazing, I don’t know where we would actually be without them,” Ashley said.
Volunteers play a crucial role in addressing an average of 65,000 disasters annually, with the majority being home and apartment fires. If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by fires and other disasters, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
On a Thursday afternoon in early spring, while on her way to drop off her friend after they had had lunch, Ann received a phone call that left her in complete shock. Her neighbor called with the news that the Bourbonnais Fire Department was working to put out a fire at her home.
“Before leaving to meet my friend, I had been outside and around my home and all was in order. I was in shock—disbelief that my neighbor was telling me that my home of 23 years – 23 years of love and work into it was going up in flames,” shared Ann.
Arriving at her home, Ann was met with a huge blaze and black billowing smoke emanating from her house, 25 mph winds that were making it impossible to extinguish the fire, and 27 neighboring fire departments that were working arduously against nature.
“I was sitting in the fire truck with the Fire Chief when my phone rang, and it was a volunteer with the Red Cross. I knew of the Red Cross because I am a blood donor. I didn’t realize how the Red Cross helps people in situations like the one I found myself in. The moral support, making sure I was okay – I will never forget that call and what it meant to me. That type of support is what helps one through a devastating loss – in my case, my home.”
Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers help local families cope with emergencies. In Illinois, over 4,400 volunteers stand ready to respond when the need arises to provide immediate assistance, disaster mental health, spiritual care, and health services. Diane Carter is a dedicated Red Cross volunteer who after a 31-year career in the military, resolved to be there to lend a hand when it’s most needed and who showed up to help Ann with next steps after her devastating loss.
“I volunteer with the Red Cross because I will never forget, as a military servicemember, how they were there to support me when I was deployed, and I had an emergency back home. I show up as a Red Cross volunteer because I know firsthand what it means to have someone there to tell you, ‘We’re here for you and together, we’re going to work on a recovery plan.’ You never forget that moment just like Ann doesn’t forget that call she received from us [Red Cross],” shared Diane.
Ann learned that the fire that destroyed her home started at a pile of mulch and the high winds carried the fire to the shed, garage, and ultimately her home. “I was thankful for the clothes on my back, the shoes on my feet, my purse and car, and the incredible outpouring of support I received starting with the Red Cross. I am working on being patient as I rebuild my home and encourage us all to be giving and help others – it will all come back to you when you most need it.”
Volunteers make it possible to respond to an average of 65,000 disasters every year, most of them home and apartment fires. Find out about the needs in your area by searching for current volunteer opportunities. To find urgently needed volunteer opportunities near you, visit RedCross.org/Volunteer.
Written by Illinois Communications Manager Connie Esparza
Seven years after Illinois last witnessed a total solar eclipse, the state is once again set to experience the rare event on April 8, 2024.
While much of the state will be able to see the varying effects of the eclipse, many cities in Southern Illinois will be able to experience a total eclipse, meaning a full blockage of the sun caused by the moon’s rotation.
It is estimated that the eclipse will bring an additional 300,000 people into the Southern Illinois Area to view the event. For the American Red Cross, this influx of people means preparing to meet the needs of the community.
Many members of the Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross took part in Solar Eclipse Preparedness Training at the State Emergency Operation Center in Springfield.
Executive Director Dawn Morris, Disaster Program Manager Julie Brandsasse, Disaster Program Specialist Sean Luedtke, State Relations Disaster Liaison Scott Clark, Board Chair Ed Johnson and Disaster Volunteers Claudia Blackman and Bennie Wininger all attended the training in Springfield.
Additional support was also provided virtually by other Red Crossers in Southern Illinois and various chapters throughout the state.
The training covered various aspects of the upcoming eclipse including preemptive planning, sheltering and reunification.
The eclipse is slated to first enter the United States in Texas before travelling through portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
The duration of totality in Southern Illinois will also vary by location with ranges falling between two minutes near Effingham and around four minutes near Carbondale.
Those planning to travel to view the eclipse should check weather forecasts, traffic reports and road conditions beforehand. Viewers should also avoid parking on highway shoulders or ditches to not create hazards for yourself or other drivers.
The eclipse will enter the state of Illinois at 1:58 p.m. on Monday, April 8 and will exit the state lines around 2:06 p.m. While in Illinois, the moon’s shadow will be travelling between 1830 and 1975 miles per hour.
To avoid damage to your eyes, the solar eclipse should only be viewed with safe solar viewing glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing an eclipse.
For real-time alerts, shelter locations and safety advice, download the Red Cross Emergency App.
Meet volunteers Ron and Kathy Leffler, a Red Cross power couple who tied the knot in December 2023. This dedicated duo is often found volunteering together, and you might think their paths crossed during their time with the organization, but their story goes back way before they were ever Red Crossers.
“We met when I was a freshman in high school and he was a senior in high school,” Kathy said. “Funny enough, it was through my father because him and Ron were on the volunteer fire department together.”
Ron was taking an EMT course as he was preparing to become a full-time firefighter after graduating high school. Kathy’s father was also in the course, and would host a study group at their home, which is where Kathy and Ron first laid eyes on each other.
“I gotta tell you, it was love at first sight for both of us,” Ron said.
The pair was planning to get married after Kathy graduated from high school but ultimately split up and went their separate ways for many years. That’s until a high school reunion brought them back together 13 years ago, where they rekindled their high school sweetheart romance.
As a retired firefighter and police officer, Ron was drawn to still serving the public in some capacity, so after devastating flooding hit northern Illinois in 2017, Ron began volunteering for the Red Cross, and Kathy followed shortly thereafter.
“I had to join too, just so I could see him,” Kathy joked.
The two volunteer for the Red Cross in different capacities. Ron specializes in logistics while also volunteering as a transportation and specialty vehicle lead for the North Central Division, meanwhile Kathy is a professional chef, so her expertise is in feeding, while also serving as the historian for the Illinois River Valley Chapter.
“It’s nice because I’ve got my own groove and he’s got his own groove, but we still get to work together,” Kathy said.
Their December wedding was filled with fellow Red Cross volunteers and staff members they’ve grown close with over the years. Ron joked, “the volunteers outweighed the family.”
Ron and Kathy are grateful for their lifetime of memories together, including all of those involving the Red Cross.
“Back in the day when I first started doing DAT [Disaster Action Team] responses, her and I would be the crew that would go out on calls all night long,” Ron said. “Being a volunteer leader with the Red Cross has been such a great experience especially considering it something my wife and I can do together. It really is a match made in heaven.”
Ron and Kathy, your commitment, empathy, and eagerness to contribute your time and service in support of the Red Cross mission is truly appreciated. To join us as a volunteer, please visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
The Red Cross of Illinois is honored and grateful to announce the arrival of our new Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to the Illinois Red Cross which will enable us to quickly provide food and supplies to people affected by disasters.
On December 18, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to unveil the new ERV which was generously funded by family and friends in loving memory of R. Scott Falk and Rebecca J. Falk.
Thank you to Kim, Jack, and Meredith Falk and all those who contributed to support the purchase of this new vehicle. We are humbled for the opportunity to continue the legacy of our beloved board member, humanitarian, and Red Cross supporter, R. Scott Falk, and his sister Rebecca J. Falk who was also a steadfast supporter and member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle. Since the Red Cross was founded, we’ve relied on dependable vehicles to deliver our mission.
“Both of them knew that we need to go to where people need us the most,” said Celena Sarillo, CEO of the Illinois Red Cross. “That the Red Cross is not just in a certain place, it’s not only in a building where something happens. We need to be able to go to them and I think it’s so appropriate that this emergency response vehicle is being named after them. Two humanitarians who knew we need to go where we are needed the most.”
Today, our iconic emergency response vehicles remain at the heart of our disaster relief and recovery work. These highly visible vehicles provide our volunteer workforce with recognized and trusted means to easily reach people in need.
To learn more about the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts, click here.
This spring avid runner Wojciech Wilczynski began training for the New York City Marathon. On Saturday, May 27th he went to Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve for a longer run.
“I came here with my friend, we were supposed to do a longer run, probably about a loop or so maybe longer,” Wojciech said. “And that was it, the next thing I know I woke up in the hospital a few days later.”
About a mile in Wojciech collapsed, and his running partner did not have a cell phone on him.
Stephanie Koklys was also running on that trail when she heard someone yelling for help. She saw Wojciech unresponsive on the trail along with his friend who was panicking, and called 911. Dispatchers walked Stephanie through how to perform CPR. Stephanie had taken a CPR course in the past but it had been years.
“I remember thinking that this is it, do it,” Stephanie said. “After I told myself go mode, then I went on automatic after that – didn’t think too much, just did it.”
Stephanie did chest compressions and mouth to mouth until EMTs found them on the trail after about 15 minutes.
“I just was praying a lot and just hoping that he would pull through,” said Stephanie.
Wojciech woke up in the hospital days later learning he had coronary heart disease, though he never had any symptoms. He also learned that he owed his life to a stranger who happened to be on the same running trail.
Stephanie Koklys was presented with a lifesaving award from the American Red Cross for her actions. She received a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, awarded to individuals who step up in an emergency situation and help save or sustain a life. She says this experience has inspired her to take another CPR course.
“I am going to take another class, because why not, right?” said Stephanie. “Just do it, there are so many opportunities to do it.”
“If I can put a smile on your face (after a disaster) I’ve done my job.” -Rob West
That is how Rob West approaches his role as a disaster volunteer with the American Red Cross.
Photo Credit: Matt Bruce, The Daytona Beach News-Journal (Rob is shown here, signing in residents at a shelter after Hurricane Matthew in Florida in October 2016.)
Rob started volunteering in 1990, after flooding impacted the Quad Cities area. He jumped in to do disaster assessment work that year, and has never looked back.
“I love helping people,” he says.
In his 30+ year career as a disaster volunteer, Rob has responded to numerous disasters. He has deployed 90 times, both locally and nationally, to disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and more.
Rob says, he does whatever he can to help those affected by disasters, as part of his role. “If someone needs something done, I’ll make it happen.”
Spending time in the various disaster-affected areas while on deployments has been impactful to Rob, and he says, he often times will return to visit those areas on subsequent personal trips, to reconnect with those he meets and to support their rebuilding efforts.
“I get cards and letters from people I’ve helped, and people say how they are thankful for the Red Cross being there after disasters,” Rob says.
We are thankful for Rob’s efforts, here in the Illinois region and beyond. Would you like to join Rob on the team? Just visit redcross.org/volunteer to find the volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule.
Written by Illinois Region Communications Manager Brian Williamsen
American Red Cross of Illinois 