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.

Roger Wolf: A Lifesaving Rescue Story

The right people, in the right place, at the right time. That is the resounding theme that comes up when you speak with Mark Paul, Dan Cotton, and Roger Wolf.

When Roger collapsed during an all-staff meeting this past summer, the 100 people in the room were all concerned, but two people stood out—Mark and Dan. Interestingly, Mark was filling in for a co-worker that day and Dan was completing his final day with that particular group of State Farm IT leaders.

Self-described as the incident’s ‘air traffic controller’ Dan sprang into action to assess Roger’s condition and direct a fellow coworker to retrieve the AED (automated external defibrillator) and Mark, a State Farm Security Officer through Allied Universal, for assistance.

“When I saw Roger on the floor, I felt for a pulse and there was barely one there. I knew he required immediate attention and the clock was ticking. There was so much going through my head and the adrenaline was pumping. I needed to protect Roger’s privacy, ensure everyone in the room understood this need, and identify and direct a coworker to get help. While already on the phone with 9-1-1, Mark arrived with the AED and he immediately went to work,” recalled Dan.

“With Dan’s help, we hooked up Roger to the AED and it instructed us to administer a shock. After that first shock, I started Hands-Only CPR. It was after another round with the AED and more compressions that we got a heartbeat again. Among so many other thoughts, the most important and foremost in my mind was ‘every second counts, every second counts, every second counts’” shared Mark. “Hard to believe that no matter how much time has passed, my military and first-aid training kicked in. I’m so glad too, because it helped us have the positive outcome everyone in that room was hoping for.”

In a situation like the one Roger found himself in, one hopes that someone comes forth and has the training to help meanwhile emergency responders arrive.

“Heroes. That’s what Mark and Dan are to me. Gratitude and love are not big enough words to describe the feelings I have for Mark and Dan, the Bloomington Fire Department paramedics, the medical staff that brought me back to life several times over, and my employer, State Farm, for having an AED within reach. My situation made me realize how having the right training and knowing how to use lifesaving equipment like an AED can impact the trajectory of someone’s life,” shared Roger.

Months after the medical emergency, all involved replay the day and are surprised by the number of coincidences that brought them together. While the impact remains profound and life-changing, it’s evermore impactful to Roger and his family. “I am a man of deep faith and know that my decision to attend that fateful meeting in person on that day was more than a coincidence. That Mark was there and sprang into lifesaving action, also more than a coincidence, and that Dan was there to take charge of the room was all part of the story that now is part of my life. A life I get to share with my loved ones all thanks to Mark who is trained and stepped in when it most mattered.”

Hands-Only CPR can help gain precious time for a person experiencing a cardiac event but knowing First Aid, CPR, and how to use an AED will enable you to provide life-saving care in a range of emergencies.  Be prepared and ready to respond during an emergency while help arrives. Sign up for a lifesaving class near you. RedCross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-training

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Connie Esparza

Runner saves another runner’s life by performing CPR

This spring avid runner Wojciech Wilczynski began training for the New York City Marathon. On Saturday, May 27^th 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.”

For more information and to register for a training course, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

The Impact of Volunteering

This summer we said, ‘See you soon!’ to one of our very own – Nina Musgrove. When Nina took a gap year to work and apply to medical school, she found her calling with the Red Cross through the AmeriCorps Program.

“I was facing the final year before dedicating my life to medical school and I was committed to finding work that made an impact. So, I started with AmeriCorps, and when my term came to an end, transitioning to the Red Cross was the natural thing to do, and what a wonderful whirlwind it has been,” shared Nina.

Through the Disaster Action Team, and in a very short time, Nina taught over 1,844 people through the Youth Preparedness and Community Preparedness Education Program, responded to 66 fires, assisted hundreds of families with recovery, supported Multi-Agency Resource Centers, installed smoke alarms through the Sound the Alarm campaign and helped staff multiple shelters. And it all started with the desire to make an impact.

“Every single experience at the Red Cross has not only impacted my leadership skills but greatly prepared me for my future as an emergency physician. My goal is to help people during the worst time of their lives just like the Red Cross does in times of disaster or home fires. Leaving is bittersweet, but my experience—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever imagined and it’s my wish that others would consider a life-changing time with the Red Cross. I wanted to make an impact, but the impact the Red Cross has had on me has been powerful. I’ve grown in so many ways.”

Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are local disasters like home fires. Trained Disaster Action Team Red Crossers like Nina are ready to respond to these emergencies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From offering a shoulder to cry on, to meeting immediate needs for shelter or supplies, to connecting people with long-term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families are not alone during one of the toughest times of their lives.

Volunteer with us to answer the call when your neighbors need help. RedCross.org/Volunteer

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Connie Esparza

American Red Cross honors YMCA employees for lifesaving pool rescue

Pictured from left to right: Alexis Fuqua, Mary Jo Slowik, Kelly Michel and Cindy Moss at the May 23, 2023 Lifesaving Award Ceremony held at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield.

On December 29^th, 2022, Mary Jo Slowik was swimming laps at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield like she did every week.

“The water was cold when I jumped in, but it always is, so I just kept swimming and the next thing I woke up and I was in the emergency room,” Slowik said.

Kelly Michel and Alexis Fuqua were the two lifeguards on duty when they noticed Slowik stopped moving in the pool.

“We’re both watching the water and all the sudden I look over and she’s on top of the surface, she’s not moving anymore because she had been swimming laps for a good ten minutes,” said Fuqua.

Once they noticed, Fuqua and Michel extricated Slowik from the water and activated the Emergency Action Plan. Aquatics director Cindy Moss grabbed the AED and Fuqua started compressions. Moss and Michel worked to secure and squeeze the Bag Valve Mask. Then YMCA employee Lauren Teper entered the pool area and stepped in to help with the mask and keep the airways open. Moss took over compressions, did three more cycles and administered a second shock with the AED. She continued compressions until Plainfield Police arrived. Plainfield Police took over compressions, Teper kept hold of the BVM and Michel continued to squeeze the bag until EMS took over.

Because of their fast-acting work, Slowik survived and is still an active member at the YMCA.

“I know her, so I thought about her and her family and I was just hoping we were going to get the outcome that thankfully we got,” Moss said. “The way she would be able to celebrate and make more memories with her family was all I was thinking about in the moment.”

In May, the American Red Cross recognized YMCA employees Alexis Fuqua, Kelly Michel, Cindy Moss and Lauren Teper with Lifesaving Awards for their quick action preforming CPR to save Mary Jo Slowik’s life.

“I am so thankful that the YCMA had a plan in place and the lifeguards executed it,” Slowik said. “They dragged me out of the water. I must have been dead weight, it’s a miracle.”

The lifeguards say the incident is a reminder that lifesaving training could be needed at any moment, and everyone should get CPR certified. 

“You never know where you’re going to be when somebody may need help,” Moss said. “Just being able to have the certificate and learning a lifesaving skill could help anyone no matter where you are. It could help a family member, it could help a neighbor, you could be at the grocery store and save someone’s grandma. It’s just so important to get CPR certified.”

For more information and to register for a training course, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

CPR training gives a mother the confidence to act

Tresa Razaaq of Chicago is receiving a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action from the American Red Cross of Illinois after jumping into action to help her four-year-old son who had begun choking at school. As scary as it was for her in that moment, it was something she says she felt confident to do as she had just come from a CPR training course that same day.  

The course was held on June 14^th, 2022, and right afterwards Tresa headed to Mollison Elementary to pick up her kids from school. Tresa said she took the course wanting to get reacclimated on safety training after having another baby. As the president of the Parents Advisory Committee at the school, she also felt she had a responsibility to know CPR. She even talked with the principal that day about looking into hosting a training course at the school, in hopes that more parents and staff could get certified. 

As her kids were walking out of the school, she noticed a parent waving her down near her son who was already outside. Once she ran over, she noticed her son’s eyes bulging, face turning red, and his hands up to his mouth. It was clear that he was choking on the cupcake she saw him leaving the school with. 

“I looked at my son and told him, ‘Listen, don’t be scared, Mommy’s got you’,” Tresa said. “I turned him around and patted his back, the same number of times I had just learned in the class. A little bit came out and he started gasping for air. So, I used my fingers to dislodge more of the cupcake and open his airway. I turned him back around and started patting his back again then the rest came out and he was okay.” 

Tresa said she’s grateful for taking the training, and it goes to show how importance for everyone to have these skills, especially those who are around children often. 

“I was thinking about how glad I was that I had just taken the class, but at the same time, it was my son and I had never seen him like that,” said Tresa. “I couldn’t show how scared I was for his sake and for my other kids who were there watching.” 

She continued: “My mom worked in the medical field for more than 40 years and she was the one who encouraged me to take the class since I am around kids so much including my own. Now I am trying to get everyone in my household to be involved.”  

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass. 

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.  

Lifesaving Lifeguards

“If they wouldn’t have done what they did and known how to do it, they would have been planning my funeral and I would have been dead and buried a year ago.”
-Craig Kinzer

Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 is a day Craig Kinzer will never forget. It is the day his life could have ended, had it not been for the quick actions of four lifeguards.

Craig was finishing up a drill as part of a lifeguarding course at a YMCA in Davenport, Iowa when he lost consciousness while in the swimming pool. Craig would later learn that he had suffered sudden cardiac death.

That’s when the lifeguards did exactly what they are trained to do.

Katie McGrane immediately jumped in the water and pulled Craig out of the pool, then checked for a pulse. CPR was administered to Craig on the pool deck.

As a team, the four lifeguards worked to restore Craig’s pulse. They spent approximately 30 minutes performing CPR, then paramedics took over and ultimately, Craig was stabilized and then released from the hospital after just five days.

Katie credits her lifeguard training with preparing her to be ready to act at that moment, when help was needed the most.

“It’s not if, it’s when, and if you aren’t trained, you won’t be ready when it happens. I think everybody should be trained to some level in CPR. If you can, become a lifeguard, because you do truly save lives.”
-Katie McGrane

Craig credits the lifeguards with doing just that, saving his life. He is grateful for the experiences he’s had this past year, and what he is looking forward to in the future.

“My daughter got married in September, so, I got to walk her down the aisle. I’m expecting my first grandchild in June, so if it weren’t for those four and the paramedics, I wouldn’t be around to enjoy that stuff,” said Craig.

Craig recently had the opportunity to present a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action to each of the lifeguards on behalf of the American Red Cross, during a ceremony in their honor at the YMCA where they helped save his life.

“I got a little choked up, because he is a human being. To be able to provide a second lease on life for that human being is a big deal for me,” said Katie. “When I get to see him and talk to him and hear his daughter is expecting and see the wedding photos with him and his daughter, that is the greatest award and that’s very fulfilling.”

Thank you to all four lifeguards for their lifesaving actions! Visit redcross.org/take-a-class to get the skills and knowledge to help save someone’s life.

Written by Illinois Region Communications Manager Brian Williamsen

Heroic Actions to Help Save a Life: Sasha’s Story

Sasha-Welch Moore’s heroic actions helped save a life. She performed CPR on a man at her gym in Peoria who had stopped breathing. As a result, the man survived and continues to have an opportunity to live his life.

Sasha is one of our valued team members here in the Illinois region. Recently, we had the honor of presenting her with the Certificate of Merit, the highest award given by the Red Cross, for her lifesaving efforts – Red Cross Illinois Region CEO, Celena Roldán presented the award to Sasha during a staff retreat. Congratulations and thank you, Sasha!

Visit redcross.org/take-a-class to sign up for a CPR training class.

Lifelong teacher and radio show ‘Red Cross Minute’ creator celebrates 35 years with the Red Cross

Career counselor, radio personality, teacher, first aid and emergency preparedness trainer, volunteer, humanitarian — the list goes on, but for the past 35 years the one constant for Steve Swett has been his dedication to being a Red Cross Volunteer.

“I’ve been around a very long time,” laughed Steve. “But you know what? In my 35 years at the Red Cross, it’s always been something different – the learning is constant and with learning comes power and responsibility. For me, learning has given me the drive and power to help, and it makes me feel so good when I connect with people and hear how the Red Cross and volunteers like me have made a difference.”

Steve during a severe weather preparedness training.

In addition to his commitment to learning, Steve has dedicated time to teaching for decades at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Illinois and for many years providing Red Cross training to youth groups, other non-profit agencies like The Salvation Army, and at Sheridan Correctional Center. Amongst his biggest accomplishments, Steve created and maintains a 30-minute segment on WCMY ‘Red Cross Minute’ which over the years has served to inform the public of resources, trainings, blood drives, safety preparedness, and other valuable information. Special recognition and much gratitude to Steve’s The Morning Mix on WCMY radio co-host, Margaret ‘Maggie’ Frost of LaSalle who passed away last month. Maggie, along with Steve, supported the Red Cross and over the years, both helped amplify the Red Cross message and what started as a 5-minute segment with special guest Red Cross representatives turned into a 30-minute program that LaSalle County residents have come to rely on.

When asked why he volunteers, Steve stated, “Volunteers like us have an important role and perform a lot of different tasks. We feed and shelter people, gather information, and coordinate with local government and community partners. We help clients and communities in the recovery process during and after a disaster. There is so much one can do. Bottom-line—we [Red Cross volunteers] are the line of hope for many and we have the responsibility to be there for each other when and where it’s most needed.”

Whatever your interests or abilities there’s a role for you as a volunteer at the Red Cross. What do you like to do? What gives you personal satisfaction?  There are many ways to be a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Join us! Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.

Thank you, Steve for your dedication of time and talent over the past 35 years! We look forward to many more years! We couldn’t do it without you!

Steve finds time for a much-deserved break with his beloved Annie.

Written by Illinois Communications Manager Connie Esparza

Walsh Elementary Paraprofessional Jen Kerrigan Saves Kindergartener from Choking, Receives Red Cross Lifesaving Award

The American Red Cross of the Illinois River Valley was proud to present Jennifer Kerrigan with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action and a Red Cross Lifesaving pin for her heroic actions in the face of an emergency.

Executive Director Brian McDaniel presenting the award to Jennifer Kerrigan at Walsh Elementary

Jen Kerrigan has been a special education paraprofessional at Walsh Elementary School in Lockport, IL for over 7 years and easily develops close bonds with many of the children who attend. She oversees them in the classroom environment and also during non-classroom times like lunch in the school gym.

On January 18, 2022 Jen was watching students finish eating and encouraging them to line up to get ready for the next part of their day when she noticed a kindergartener in distress. In his rush to finish eating a bagel, he started choking on a piece of the bread.

Jen says she could see the fear in his eyes and immediately knew what to do. She was by his side in a moment and asked if he was OK, to which he shook his head “no,” and Jen gently picked him up and started doing back blows to dislodge what was in his throat.

It took several back blows and at least three abdominal thrusts but Jen was able to save the child from choking. Everyone was relieved to see the boy calming down and breathing thanks to Jen’s quick actions in both seeing him in trouble and doing something about it.

This was not the first time Jen stepped in to help a student choking. In 2018, she also saved a different young boy with special needs who had been choking on a taco. Again, even without any verbal cues she knew something was wrong and immediately took action.

In both instances, it took a combination of Jen knowing what to do and first recognizing what was happening even in challenging circumstances involving small children and a student with special needs. Jen says even when there is no verbal communication, sometimes you just know something is wrong and know you need to do something.

As someone who is surrounded by kids all day, she says its important to have those skills whether you’re around kids or not. She remembers taking the courses but its become more of an instinct she’s developed from years of supervising kids and having her own special needs son who passed away 18 years ago. She took trainings and learned skills from CPR to knowing what to do when someone is choking and more. Now, she’s the one you’d want to have around no matter what happens.

In the surprise presentation, both boys she saved were there to see her receive the award and be reunited with Jen who shed a few tears. For her, it’s just part of the job.

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“I’m grateful that I can be calm about it,” Jen said. “To me, it’s all in a day’s work. If I can help you I’m all about it.”

Since the incident in January, bagels have been removed from the school’s lunch menu.

Jen truly embodies the mission and values of the American Red Cross, which has awarded over 1,800 individuals with Lifesaving Awards.

Learn how to save a life with Red Cross Training Classes: www.redcross.org/takeaclass

Written by Illinois Region Communications Manager Holly Baker