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.

Staff Spotlight: Jamie Beaver set to retire after nearly two decades of helping those in need

After countless responses to a variety of disasters over nearly two decades of service to her community and those in need, Disaster Program Manager Jamie Beaver has announced her retirement from the American Red Cross. 

Jamie began working with the Red Cross in 2004, originally covering one county and helping support many lines of service including Disaster, Health and Safety, S.A.F. and Blood Services. 

“You used to just do all lines or service and handle everything,” Jamie said. “When you went out to a fire call, it used to all be done on paper. I used to go out to the scene, interview the family, give them money, do the review and really do everything.” 

Before joining the Red Cross, Jamie already had a background working in the disaster field as she volunteered for and was eventually hired to work with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. 

Through her work with IEMA, Jamie saw the work that the Red Cross performs during a disaster and eventually was offered a position to join the organization. 

Over her years with the Red Cross, Jamie stated that she has seen the disaster process grow to become much more efficient in how cases are handled. 

“Now it’s so much better,” Jamie said. “We have teams. We have a sheltering team and others where if you start to get overwhelmed, you call and the team kicks. There has been so many changes.” 

While Jamie’s focus quickly was homed in on disaster work, her responsibilities continued to grow as she saw her coverage area grow to four counties, then seven and eventually 31 in the South Central Illinois Chapter. 

In her disaster work, Jamie believes that one of her biggest strengths has been her willingness and ability to work with other organizations and partners throughout the community. 

This cooperation was recognized by her peers when she was awarded the Collaboration Award during the annual Five C’s Awards. 

“I think I just fell into a really good rhythm and established those relationships,” Jamie said. “These people have become my friends, and I just didn’t want to do anything else besides disaster. I never felt the pull to do anything else.” 

Her familiarity in the disaster field also helped Jamie work alongside many dedicated volunteers, many whom she considers dear friends of hers. 

“This is a volunteer-led organization, we work for you guys, we work for the volunteers,” Jamie said. “I love my volunteers.” 

Jamie detailed one interaction with volunteers that has always stuck with her after she went to California a few years ago to assist in the wildfires. 

She was placed in a group of volunteers responsible for driving around a 16-foot box truck loaded with supplies to community centers so they could help serve those in need. 

On the third day of their assignment, Jamie said that one of members of her group came up to her and said, “So I hear that you are staff, is that true?” 

Jamie answered yes and was asked why she didn’t tell them. “Well, does it make a difference?” she asked.

“I was in the role I am in today as a manager and they said ‘Well, I guess not,’” Jamie said. “That was probably the biggest compliment I think I’ve ever had because so many people can go on a scene and start bossing around because they are staff; but that’s not how it’s done.” 

As she prepares for the next phase of her life, Jamie said that she will miss her relationships the most, whether it be coworkers, volunteers, community leaders or anyone else she has had the pleasure of working with over the years. 

As much as she will miss those that she has worked with, there is no doubt that the Illinois Red Cross will also miss Jamie as we wish her the best in whatever lies ahead. 

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Jayce Eustice

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Susan Noyes’ Red Cross Story

“To support all the American Red Cross and its amazing volunteers in action is truly an honor,” said Susan Noyes, Red Cross Illinois Region board member and Tiffany Circle member, after volunteering at the Family Service Center following the tragic 2022 Fourth of July parade shooting in Highland Park, IL.

“The Red Cross’ ability to respond to a community in crisis and bring together the right partnerships was amazing and only made me more motivated to do the work that I get to do.”

Susan has been a long-time Red Cross volunteer, beginning as a candy striper at her community hospital when she was 14 years old. Later, she learned water safety and CPR, and eventually became an avid blood donor.  “I never really thought about how the Red Cross was the connection point for all those opportunities,” she reflected.

Today, Susan is the founder of the Make It Better Foundation, and her engagement and leadership with the Red Cross has deepened significantly. The Foundation’s mission is to identify and amplify the work of outstanding nonprofits while growing a network of well-informed, committed philanthropists, social entrepreneurs and sponsors.

Susan credits much of her engagement with the Red Cross to the former CEO of the Red Cross of Greater Chicago and her close friend, Fran Edwardson. It was Fran who helped Susan discover the details of her extraordinary connection to the Red Cross and its history. Susan mentioned to Fran that her husband’s family had – at that point – an unknown tie to the organization in its early days. This led Fran to uncover that the ancestors of Susan’s husband, Nick Noyes, were in the inner circle of the founder herself – Clara Barton. In addition, in 1949, the Noyes family donated a home to be used as the Red Cross Chapter House in Danville, New York – the same town in which Clara Barton founded the first Red Cross chapter in the late 1800s. Today, that Chapter House is used as a Red Cross museum and office, and displays a collection of antiques donated by the Noyes family as well as other memorabilia pertaining to the history of the Red Cross.

“As I got involved with the Red Cross, I started realizing how many different ways the Red Cross has touched my life,” Susan said. “It’s an organization where the more you learn and the more you do, the more amazed you are by the depth and the breadth and the opportunity.”

Prior to her first board term, Susan witnessed the organization in action on a cold and frigid November evening. She had committed to learn more of what the Red Cross does on a first-hand basis and signed up to serve on the Disaster Action Team, a dedicated group of volunteers who respond to local disasters. On that night, she was called to respond to a serious home fire in Chicago. “Seeing the Red Cross interact with this family that was just devastated, alongside the first responders, I thought, ‘Wow, this is a well-oiled machine.’”

Today, Susan has shared her passion for the American Red Cross with her immediate family, as six members – spanning three generations – have joined the Tiffany Circle. 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 and embracing women locally, nationally and internationally.  

“I feel like my donated hours and dollars have the greatest impact by working with the Red Cross and because it does touch so many different areas of need. It feels like a real honor to be able to be part of that.”

Written by Marissa Blake, originally published on redcross.org

Madeleine Yoon: Making Friends While Supporting the Red Cross Mission

On the cusp of finishing high school and moving on to Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Madeleine Yoon is hoping the legacy she started at her high school lives on for years to come.

“My sister and I started a Red Cross Club at our high school to make friends and to create a space where like-minded students could come together to do volunteer work for the good of the community and beyond. My hope is that participants see how their work impacts the Red Cross mission and endeavor to keep the club going long after I’ve graduated,” shared Madeleine.

In addition to leading the Red Cross Club at Barrington High School, Madeleine is a Field Ambassador for the Red Cross. Field Ambassadors like Madeleine serve as liaisons between their local region and the National Youth Council, promoting monthly national initiatives and working closely with local chapters and clubs to develop youth programs customized to meet the needs of the region.

“Serving as a Field Ambassador has been a memorable experience. Having the opportunity to meet and work with other motivated and determined Red Cross volunteers in my age group with similar values and connections to the mission has been really inspiring. As I move on to my college years, my commitment to the Red Cross and public service are top goals for me.”

The Red Cross Club of Barrington High School

Over the years, Madeleine, along with her fellow Red Cross Club members, has worked to raise funds to help the Red Cross prepare and respond to disasters across the region and support impacted communities to recover from emergencies. What started as a desire to meet fellow classmates grew in vision and desire to impact the mission of the Red Cross.

“We are so grateful to Madeleine, and all of our Red Cross Club members in the Illinois Region! They raise awareness of the Red Cross mission every day in their schools and communities, and they embody the true spirit of volunteerism,” shared Virginia Hopley, Volunteer Services Representative with the Illinois Red Cross.

Madeleine, thank you for your commitment to the humanitarian mission and inspiring your fellow classmates to support the Red Cross. We hope to see your name on the Red Cross volunteer roster for many more years!

Are you a high school or college student interested in starting a Red Cross Club at your school? Along with training and leadership development opportunities, you can choose mission-related activities in your community, while delivering lifesaving services of the Red Cross. Click here to learn more https://www.redcross.org/red-cross-youth/red-cross-clubs/starting-a-red-cross-club.html

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Connie Esparza

Mark Thomas: Dedicated to Service

This Black History Month, we are honored to highlight our very own Interim CEO for the Illinois Red Cross, Mark Thomas. Black History Month is a reminder to all that our country would not be what it is had it not been for the originality, hard work, intelligence, and courage of Black Americans who have come before us. Mark has and continues to dedicate his career to impacting his community and honoring all those who paved the way for him.

“Black History Month is a special time for me because when I reflect on the struggles my ancestors had to go through, all those who moved across states for better jobs or advocated for equal rights. I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of many who gave so much – who died, who have been scorned, and persecuted so that I can have the freedom and opportunities I have today. When I think of Black History Month, I aim to recognize the heroes who live among us and maybe are our neighbors – the teachers who don’t make a lot of money, the young cadets striving to be police officers, the lawyers, doctors, the people who are good citizens and vote and serve their communities and all who set the example for others,” shared Mark.

Mark is a thoughtful leader who has dedicated his career to serving those during their most vulnerable moment and serving as the conduit for others to connect with their goal, mentor, or opportunity – the very same behavior that he has experienced throughout his life.

“One thing I knew for sure growing up was that I wanted to be successful at whatever I ended up doing and I wanted to make a positive impact in my community. In retrospect, all my experiences have been centered around helping people. Moving to the Red Cross was the easiest transition because the mission ‘alleviating human suffering,’ directly aligned with the goal I had envisioned for myself. I am grateful to those who saw the potential in me and shaped my trajectory and now — I look for ways to pay it forward.”

Thank you, Mark, for the indelible imprint you have made in the Illinois region. Your legacy of helping and serving others is evident in all you do and the light you bring to your work every day.

With the help of more than 4,400 passionate, dedicated volunteers, the Illinois Region of the American Red Cross serves more than 12.4 million people in 88 counties in Illinois. Sign up to volunteer with us at RedCross.org/Volunteer.

Written by Connie Esparza, Communications Manager

Red Cross Volunteers Ron and Kathy Leffler: High School Sweethearts Turned Dynamic Duo

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.

Written by Communications Manager Mara Thompson

Red Cross Blood Services Hero: Yvonne Blake

In November 2022, Yvonne’s 20-year-old son Jaden, a collegiate track and field athlete and student at Grand Valley State University, passed away after a terrible automobile accident. While fighting for his life in the hospital and in preparation for organ donation, Jaden required more than 60 units of blood.

To keep her son’s legacy alive, she started a non-profit in his name, The Jaden Sebastian Blake Foundation, and a month after his death she led the Foundation to host a blood drive in his honor. Going forward, Yvonne and the Foundation have it as their mission to provide support and scholarships for African American youth who aspire to participate in non-traditional sports and to raise awareness of and participation in blood donation and organ donation for members of African American communities nationwide.

This May, Yvonne Blake was honored as the Blood Services Hero during the Red Cross Heroes Breakfast which took place at the Chicago Hilton. The Red Cross Heroes Breakfast is hosted annually by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago to honor individuals and groups for acts of bravery, dedication, and service to our community. The class of 2023 Red Cross Heroes is an exemplary group of people who go above and beyond in their efforts to build better communities, and who have made a lasting impact on others in the process.

Since that first blood drive, Yvonne has hosted several blood drives, with more planned, collecting hundreds of units of blood and ultimately saving hundreds of lives to date. Additionally, Yvonne also aims to reach and educate the Black and Brown communities by engaging her vast network of family and friends on why blood donations from diverse groups are so important — and needed.

Despite the immense loss of her son, Jaden, Yvonne draws strength from her son’s memory each day and reminds us to give back and, if healthy and able, to donate blood because you never know if you or someone you know may need it.

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.

The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Written by Connie Esparza, Communications Manager

Volunteer of the Week: Abhinav Anne

Abhinav Anne’s interest in helping people after disasters is what lead him to becoming a dispatch volunteer with the Red Cross of Illinois. While that’s not an uncommon reason for someone to join the organization, what is unique about Abhinav is that he started volunteering at just 14 years old. 

“We’ve seen so many different disasters happening, and anytime on the news I always saw that the Red Cross was there to help and lend a hand,” Abhinav said. “I always dreamed of joining the Red Cross, furthering their mission and affecting the lives of many people. It’s been extremely rewarding.” 

As a dispatcher he works directly with clients, most often after a house fire. Dispatchers work to confirm the fire, send responders, continue to monitor the situation and make sure the client receives the care they need.  

He’s now been with the organization for more than a year and also got involved with the Red Cross Club at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville last year, when he was just a freshman.  

“We started doing fundraisers and blood drives and later on we started opening different programs and offering high schoolers the training to also become Red Cross volunteers,” Abhinav said. 

What Abhinav finds rewarding about being a dispatcher is getting face-to-face interaction with clients. Knowing he’s usually their first contact, Abhinav enjoys being there to comfort them.  Though he said he also gains a lot from this experience. 

“As a volunteer over the past year, not only have I learned a lot about actual dispatcher experience, but I’ve developed my own skills such as communication and client support, so volunteering at the Red Cross impacts not only the other people, but also impacts you.”  

Thank you, Abhinav! Volunteers are always needed, and you can join Abhinav on the team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up today! 

Written by Communications Manager Mara Thompson

American Red Cross Celebrates 2023 Local Heroes

Seventeen extraordinary individuals to be honored at the 2023 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago announces the 2023 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 200 extraordinary individuals who have made a personal commitment to creating safer and stronger communities and providing help when disaster strikes.  

This is the 21^st 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 Thursday, May 11 from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Hilton Chicago. Over the past 21 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.  

“Each year I am humbled to hear the stories of incredible people who selflessly and altruistically help others. This year we have assembled another incredible class of heroes who have made an extraordinary mark in their communities and beyond,” said Celena Roldán Sarillo, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Illinois.  

The 2023 Class of Heroes 

Heroes in 12 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 class of 2023 heroes through their stories of inspiration outlined below. 

Yvonne Blake of Chicago is the Blood Services Hero. This past November, Yvonne Blake’s 20-year-old son Jaden, a collegiate track and field athlete and student at Grand Valley State University, passed away after a terrible automobile accident. While fighting for his life in the hospital and in preparation for organ donation, Jaden required more than 60 units of blood. To keep her son’s legacy alive, she started a non-profit in his name, the Jaden Sebastian Blake Foundation, and a month after his death she led the Foundation to host a blood drive in his honor. Going forward, Blake and the Foundation have it as their mission to provide support and scholarships for African American youth who aspire to participate in non-traditional sports and to raise awareness of and participation in blood donation and organ donation for members of African American communities nationwide. 

Father Hernan Cuevas Contreras of Highland Park is the Disaster Relief Hero. During the 2022 Highland Park Independence Day Parade mass shooting, Father Hernan Cuevas Contreras, on his third day on the job as the pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, took immediate action and led his parishioners on their parade float and other parade onlookers in the area to run and take shelter in his church. He and the church sheltered more than 50 people for four hours while the shooter was at large. In the wake of the tragedy, Father Cuevas also dedicated himself to providing resources for the Spanish-speaking members of the community to support healing in Highland Park and Highwood. 

Shawn Harrington of Oak Park is the Education Hero. Shawn Harrington brings encouragement and inspiration every day to the students he teaches and coaches at Children of Peace Catholic School. A former Marshall High School stand-out basketball player and coach, Harrington was shot and paralyzed in 2014 in a mistaken identity shooting, while shielding his daughter from gunfire. Currently, Harrington is at Children of Peace Catholic School, where he prioritizes providing students a safe haven on the basketball court and serving as a mentor. He says, “The benefit of my experience is going to benefit these kids. Growing up in the inner city – about every adversity you can face, I’ve been through it.” Harrington works to help children face their own adversities and uses sports as a tool to broaden their horizons. He is known for teaching and coaching with genuine care and concern for the students’ overall well-being. 

Nicole Jackson of Richton Park is the Healthcare Hero. Nicole Jackson is an emergency room manager and nurse at Advocate Trinity Hospital on the south side of the city in Calumet Heights. On June 23, 2022, the emergency department was filled with patients and was experiencing limited nursing staff, when three gunshot victims needing care simultaneously arrived at the ER. Two of the victims required immediate transfer to a higher level of care for their injuries via critical care ambulance transport. Seeing the busy ER, the critical status of the gunshot victims, and the 90-minute wait before a critical care ambulance arrived, Jackson, already working beyond her shift to support her team, jumped into the ambulance to deliver lifesaving care in the fast-moving ambulance. Regularly going above and beyond as an ER nurse and patient advocate in a trauma setting is what Jackson is known for at Advocate Trinity Hospital.  

Captain Paul Burns, Firefighter Paramedic Michael Modjeski, Firefighter EMT Jeffrey Rich, of Chicago are the Firefighter Heroes. In April 2022, the three Chicago Fire Department firefighters responded to a major three-story apartment building fire in the Austin neighborhood. They arrived to find heavy fire emanating from the first-floor windows. Just inside the front door of an apartment on fire, they assisted a female victim who communicated that her ‘grand baby’ was inside. With zero visibility, heavy smoke conditions, and extreme heat, the interior search team entered the burning apartment. Within minutes, FF/PM Modjeski signaled to his partner, FF/EMT Rich, that he had discovered a female on the bed and needed assistance getting her out of the house. Subsequently, Capt. Burns entered the bedroom to complete the search. Under heavy debris from the closet, Capt. Burns discovered an unresponsive 3-year-old child and carried her out of the building. All three victims were quickly transported to the hospital. The search team of Capt. Burns, FF/PM Modjeski and FF/EMT Rich heroically ventured into a heavy fire situation to rescue individuals in a dire circumstance.  

Pastor John Zayas of Chicago is the Global Citizenship Hero. In early 2022, Pastor Zayas of the Grace and Peace Community Church in the north Austin and Belmont Cragin neighborhoods of Chicago participated in a City of Chicago taskforce to understand and support the Central and South American migrants anticipated to come to Chicago in fall of 2022. Pastor Zayas recognized the migrant need would be substantial and immediately mobilized his congregation to stand ready to provide humanitarian support. As a result, he provided thousands of migrants with resources and supplies collected from many partners and his church provided temporary shelter for families to keep them together. The Grace and Peace Community Church housed over 100 families for 3-4 months. While staying in their facility, his church also assisted by resourcing them with city programs, employment opportunities, and permanent housing. 

Keith Wallace of Frankfort is the Community Impact Hero. Keith Wallace is the Executive Director of the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA). LWSRA’s mission is to provide recreation and leisure services for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities while also promoting greater disability awareness in the community. Wallace has led and coached adaptive sports for more than 20 years and works tirelessly to get individuals with disabilities into college and the workforce. Wallace has grown the Lincolnway wheelchair basketball program from one to five teams, all of which compete in the North American Wheelchair Basketball League he founded and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. In 2022, LWRSA served 400 people. Wallace has also grown wheelchair softball opportunities, including bringing the Wheelchair Softball World Series to Chicagoland in 2022. 

Officers Alexander Lopez & Andrew Soderlund of Aurora and Yorkville respectively are the Law Enforcement Heroes. The day before Thanksgiving 2022, Officer Alexander Lopez and Field Training Officer Andrew Soderlund of the Aurora Police Department were working in different patrol cars when a call came in that woman and a nine-year-old child had fallen through the ice on a nearby retention pond. The child had been playing with a football that landed on the ice and when he tried to retrieve it, he fell through. The woman saw the incident and tried to save him. The officers raced to the scene with Officer Lopez arriving first. He waded into the retention pond and began to chip away at the ice to rescue the individuals. Eventually the water became too deep for him to touch the bottom, so he swam out in the frigid waters, and proceeded to take hold of both the boy and the woman and tried to swim with both clinging to his back. This proved extremely difficult so Officer Soderlund ran into the water with a rope tied to himself so that their colleagues on shore could help pull them in and get the woman and the boy out of the water. After they were out of the water, Officers Lopez, Soderlund and those rescued were treated for hypothermia, but all made a full recovery. 

Nicole Collins of Sugar Grove is the Lifesaving Rescue Hero. On September 17, 2022, athletic trainer Nicole Collins was chaperoning the homecoming dance at Geneva High School when a senior collapsed. Collins recalls hearing the music stop and running into the gymnasium to see what was going on. Student Bridget Archbold had collapsed suddenly on the crowded dance floor and began to seize. Collins stepped in, placing Archbold onto her side. Once the seizure subsided, Collins rolled Archbold on her back and started chest compressions. Collins did two rounds of CPR and in the second round, Archbold started coughing and came to. She was taken to the hospital in Geneva and returned to school in good health that Monday. Collins says she learned CPR at a babysitting class when she was 10 years old and has maintained her certification since, though this was the first time she used her training to save a life. 

Melvin Bridgmon of Chicago is the Military Hero. Melvin Bridgmon, a U.S. Navy Veteran, and his late sister Margaret, founded Outreach Chicago, a veteran-led, faith-based organization to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness including families and veterans in Chicago. A veteran who experienced homelessness himself, Bridgmon seeks to provide resources, information, guidance and hope to those experiencing homelessness, drawing from stories of his own life and his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. Outreach Chicago’s programs include nutritional bag lunches, hygiene products for men, women, and babies, as well as winter clothing distribution. Outreach Chicago estimates it has helped 16,000 people since 2010. “I’ve had PTSD so I know what trauma is and what roads it will take you down, so that’s why I keep doing what I’m doing because people need to come home,” he says.  

Berto Aguayo of Chicago is the Social Justice Hero. Berto Aguayo is a law student at Northwestern and is the Executive Director of Increase the Peace, an organization that develops young leaders and promotes peace through leadership development, community organizing, and advocating for solutions that tackle the root causes of violence. Aguayo uses his experience as a former gang member to rally youth to stay off the streets by incentivizing them though community projects, employment access, and civic leader preparation. Additionally, Aguayo mentors Increase the Peace youth and has them shadow his Northwestern Law School classes. Aguayo has also worked hard to bring Black and Latino communities together in the Black and Brown Unity Car Parade which advocates for peace and racial healing.  

Nayomi Melton and Caleb Johnson of Chicago are the Youth Heroes. Siblings Nayomi Melton and Caleb Johnson are just nine and six-years-old but are already seasoned volunteers. In the past two years, the siblings have prepared more than a thousand lunches that they have donated to shelters and handed out to people experiencing homelessness, often using their own allowance money to buy the supplies. They got the idea after they saw a man on the side of the road with a sign and a cup and asked their mom what he was doing. Once she explained he was experiencing homelessness, Melton and Johnson wanted to help because they recognize the importance of helping others in their community. Both children were recently honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their work. 

2023 Heritage Award 
In addition to recognizing the exemplary 2023 Class of Heroes, the Red Cross of Illinois will present the prestigious Heritage Award. The Heritage Award is presented 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.  
 
We are proud to honor Tom Wilson, Chair, President, and Chief Executive of The Allstate Corporation.  

Tom Wilson has been CEO of Allstate since 2007 and Chair of their Board of Directors since 2008. He is a fierce public advocate for business with a proven track-record of voluntary action for the public good and improving the health and welfare of vulnerable populations. Allstate’s mission is tied to helping people and communities recover from disaster events and under Wilson many programs have been implemented that both prepare individuals and communities prior to a disaster and support those communities impacted by disaster. Over the past 20 years, under Wilson’s leadership, Allstate has also implemented many youth initiatives, building, and encouraging future leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow. 

Thank you to the generous sponsors of the 2023 Illinois Red Cross Heroes Breakfast event, including: 

Presenting Sponsor: Gallagher; Champion Sponsors: William Blair, ITW, Kirkland & Ellis, KPMG LLP, and Wintrust; Inspiring Action Sponsor: Make It Better Foundation; Hero Award Sponsors: Aon, BMO, Fresenius Kabi, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Nicor Gas, United Airlines, Walgreens; Interactive Technology Sponsor: JLL; Media Sponsors: Better and CBS 2 Chicago and numerous other organizations who have made this program possible. 

 

About the American Red Cross of Illinois 
The American Red Cross of Illinois serves 12.4 million people in 88 counties in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri including Adams, Bond, Boone, Brown, Bureau, Carroll, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cook, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, DeKalb, De Witt, Douglas, DuPage, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Fulton, Green, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Jasper, Jefferson, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Marion, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, McLean, Menard, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Ogle, Peoria, Perry, Piatt, Pike, Putnam, Richland, Rock Island, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Stephenson, Tazewell, Vermillion, Warren, Washington, Whiteside, Will, Williamson Winnebago, Woodford. Iowa: Lee, Muscatine, Scott, and Van Buren. Missouri: Clark, Lewis, Marion, and Ralls. 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 us at Redcross.org/Illinois or visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @RedCrossIL. 

Team Red Cross Completes the 2022 Chicago Marathon

Team Red Cross runners participated in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 9, 2022 and raised funds for the American Red Cross of Illinois. This year saw a record number of individuals signing up to run for the Illinois region, with 160 people on Team Red Cross. Athletes of all ages and backgrounds rallied on a chilly and rainy Sunday and were motivated to run not only to help raise disaster relief funds, but also for deeply personal reasons.

Kate Coleman ran to honor her late mother, who would have turned 70 this year. Coleman stated that her mother believed in the causes of the Red Cross and taught her that moving “forward, at whatever pace, is progress, and that, no matter the hurdle, it is possible to persevere.”

Janette Rojas joined Team Red Cross to honor the life of the late AnaVictoria Segoviano, a teenager who fought against leukemia and benefited greatly from blood donations. Segoviano’s father explained that he “saw how directly [blood transfusions] impacted [his] daughter’s life on a day-to-day basis” and made her struggle a little easier.

For Izzy Ballet, running for the Red Cross came as a result of living in Tokyo and witnessing the aid brought by “organizations like the Red Cross” to those suffering in the aftermath of the Tohoku tsunami and earthquake in 2011. The American Red Cross raised over $300 million for recovery efforts and the Japanese Red Cross deployed over 150,00 volunteers to help those affected by the disaster. 

The Chicago Marathon is one of six major marathons in the United States and the Red Cross has participated in it for over 20 years. Each year, dedicated runners endure a 26.2 mile course through downtown Chicago with the purpose of raising vital funds in support of the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

Funds raised by the runners will assist people locally and around the country when emergencies strike. Whether it’s providing life saving blood, life saving training, aid during and after a natural disaster, or support for military members, the Red Cross is there.

The Red Cross would like to thank all of the runners who participated in the marathon, as well as everyone who supported us this year in this amazing and fun event. 

Check back next year if you are interested in running with a purpose and supporting the impactful and far-reaching mission of the Red Cross! 

Written by Communications Volunteer Vicky Arias