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.
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
A decade ago, Robyn Tutt didn’t know much about the American Red Cross or how important blood donations can be to patients in need.
In the ten years since becoming a phlebotomist, she has grown to become an advocate for blood donations, a heartfelt spokesperson for those fighting sickle cell disease and has found the profession she plans to do until the day she retires.
Tutt’s best friend first signed her up for an interview with the Red Cross in 2014; initially against her wishes as she was afraid of needles, let alone collecting blood donations.
“When I got into it, I was nervous and I was scared, but it was very interesting.” Tutt said. “I learned why people donate, what the reasons were and just how important blood was. It was something I never knew because it was something that I always shied away from.”
Tutt credited the diligent work of her trainers for taking her through everything she needed to learn to officially become a phlebotomist while answering the many questions she had along the way.
Shortly after her first poke, Tutt began to learn about how important blood donations are to the treatment of those battling diseases, involved in trauma and much more.
“I started reading up on it and I found out that many can’t survive without this, they just truly can’t,” Tutt said.
This newfound realization then hit home for Tutt as her mother was diagnosed with cancer and received many blood transfusions alongside her chemo and radiation treatments.
“I saw firsthand how important it was for her to receive those transfusions,” Tutt said. “That’s when I decided to make that my life mission, to make sure that blood was on hand.”
“There were a lot of times when they didn’t have enough blood and they would call and tell my mom that she couldn’t come in today because they didn’t have enough blood, but she could come in tomorrow.”
It was while going to her mother’s appointments that Tutt was first introduced to people battling sickle cell disease. She would meet and talk to parents and kids with the inherited red blood disorder while visiting the hospital.
Through these interactions and her own research, Tutt learned how the painful disease can impact the lives of families.
It’s estimated that around 100,000 Americans, mostly Black or African American, have sickle cell disease. People with the disease may receive as many as 100 units of blood each year as part of their treatment.
Blood needed to treat the disease must contain specific antigens that are primarily found in the blood of the Black or African American community.
“They were suffering as bad as they were because they needed blood, and we didn’t have it on hand,” Tutt said. “It’s because a lot of people in my culture don’t donate. I wanted to tell people how important it was for us to do it because our culture wasn’t giving enough blood for our kids.”
Tutt then began working with the American Red Cross to organize Sick Cell Drives to encourage members of her community and culture to donate blood to those in need, especially those battling sickle cell.
She worked with her local community groups to host drives and began spreading important information about how donations can help those around her to family, friends and everyone in her community that would listen.
As she now prepares for her fourth drive in March, she has seen growth from each drive she hosts and has been encouraged to see members of her culture roll up their sleeves to help others.
“It’s very important for me to keep doing this because I love it,” Tutt said. “I love this job because every time I see a person come in this door, I know that they are helping save lives. They are old, young, and middle-aged and they want to help.”
While advocating for blood donations began as something that Tutt did for a profession, it continued to become more of a life that she lives after her daughter was diagnosed with colon cancer and was given until April to live
“I was there with her for about three months and my baby had to have a transfusion every other day,” Tutt said. “Every other day she had to get that transfusion because she can’t take the chemo without it. I’m there looking at this bag of blood going into my kid and thinking that if these people don’t come out and donate, she wouldn’t have access to this.”
Tutt became grateful for the blood her daughter received from strangers throughout the country. Inspired by this generosity, Tutt hopes to continue encouraging everyone she meets to donate blood and help others when they can.
“It can hit home at any time,” Tutt said. “This is such an important thing to do for me. My heart goes out to everyone that walks through the door because I know how important it is.”
From being afraid of needles and shying away from blood drives, Tutt has since grown to be a true blood donor advocate who strives to help those in her community and beyond. And in her own words she has found her true calling.
“I’m going to do this for the rest of my life,” Tutt said. “I think this is what I was supposed to do. You meet so many people from so many different walks of life and we all bleed the same color. You don’t see color; you just see that this is going to help sustain somebody’s life.”
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
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
The 10th Annual ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive is being held January 17 – 18,2024. For the first time, Tiffany Circle is the Signature Sponsor for the event.
The Tiffany Circle is a community of women leaders who advance the American Red Cross mission through a focused investment of time, talent, and treasure by engaging women locally, nationally and internationally.
As the lead sponsor, Tiffany Circle is helping to ensure the Red Cross can collect thousands of units of lifesaving blood at the biggest blood drive in the nation. For people with cancer, trauma patients, premature babies and transplant recipients, the availability of blood can mean the difference between life and death. As a national network, the Red Cross has a responsibility to meet the demand for blood and help ensure it is available for patients whenever and wherever it is needed, including to service the over 28 hospitals in the Chicagoland area.
Get to know some of our Tiffany Circle members
Kimberly Falk, an exemplary member of the Tiffany Circle since 2013, stands out for her exceptional commitment to the American Red Cross’s mission. Beyond her membership in Tiffany Circle, Kimberly has played a pivotal role, notably most recently raising funds for a new Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) and annually organizing blood drives in her late husband Scott’s memory. Scott, a leader on Red Cross of Greater Chicago Board of Directors for 12 years, left an enduring legacy of dedication and active participation in blood donation efforts. To honor Scott’s memory, Kimberly has hosted the annual blood drive coinciding with Scott’s birthday since 2019. Through the five years, this blood drive has collected hundreds of units of blood to help patients in need. Kimberly’s steadfast dedication, evident in her diverse contributions, truly enhances the Red Cross community, embodying the essence of the Tiffany Circle spirit.
Susan Noyes, a member of the American Red Cross Greater Chicago Board and Tiffany Circle, demonstrates a profound commitment to humanitarian causes. Susan joined the Tiffany Circle in 2012 and is also an active board member. Her connection to the Red Cross deepened as she discovered her husband’s family’s historical ties to the organization, with ancestors closely associated with Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Susan’s contributions extend beyond her work with the Red Cross; as the founder of Make It Better Foundation, she advocates for a life with greater social impact. Her innovative storytelling and fundraising efforts have proven highly effective, offering support to those in need.
“I have never seen an organization make a donated dollar go further,” Susan Noyes said.
Celena Sarillo exhibits an unwavering commitment to the organization’s humanitarian mission as a Tiffany Circle member and CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois. In her role, Sarillo oversees the extensive operations of the Red Cross across 88 counties in Illinois as well as four counties in Iowa and four in Missouri. Her leadership extends beyond the local level, as she has played roles supporting the national office of the American Red Cross. Celena’s dedication is evident in her deployment as an elected official liaison, engaging policymakers in disaster-impacted areas, and her significant contribution as one of the founders of the American Red Cross Latino Engagement Initiative. Her remarkable achievements have garnered recognition, including being honored as the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Social Work. Additionally, she earned a place among Chicago’s “Most Powerful Latinos” in Crain’s Chicago Business’ inaugural 2019 list. Notably, the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago named Sarillo the 2016 Community Leader of the Year, highlighting her exceptional contributions to communities and the nonprofit sector.
Cheryl Scott, a meteorologist for ABC 7 Chicago, brings a unique perspective to her involvement with the Red Cross, combining her passion for weather forecasting with a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts. Cheryl’s connection with the Red Cross began during her time as a meteorologist in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she witnessed the devastating impact of tornadoes in April 2011. While assessing the damage on the ground after the storms, Cheryl noted the immediate presence of American Red Cross volunteers. This experience marked the beginning of her relationship with the organization, prompting her to become a volunteer and later join the board of directors and Tiffany Circle once she relocated to Chicago. Cheryl was instrumental in getting the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive started and has continued to be the face of the event during the it’s growth over the last 10 years. What started as a one-day event that collected a few hundred units of blood, has turned into a two-day, multi-location event encompassing all of Chicagoland and collecting more than 2,000 units of blood, making it the largest blood drive in the country for the Red Cross.
Joyce Trimuel finds immense fulfillment in her involvement with the Red Cross as a member of Tiffany Circle and the Greater Chicago Board of Directors. Joyce was first drawn to the organization because of the lifesaving impact it had on three of her childhood friends living with sickle cell disease, as the Red Cross collects about 40% of the nation’s blood supply with a commitment to having a diverse blood donor base. Since getting involved in 2017, Joyce’s dedication has only deepened as she has seen the efforts required for the organization to respond in times of crisis. One of her most cherished moments involves participating in the Sound the Alarm campaign in 2019, where she witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the Red Cross in the North Lawndale community by installing free smoke alarms. Working alongside a friend and fellow volunteer who grew up on the very block they were on, they received a warm welcome from former neighbors who shared their appreciation for the Red Cross’s support and resources in their community.
“For those who may be considering getting involved with the Red Cross, I would highly encourage them to join our team! There is something for everyone and no level of contribution is too small,” Joyce Trimuel said.
You can support the Great Chicago Blood Drive by scheduling an appointment to donate here or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also make a monetary contribution to help get lifesaving blood to patients when and where they need it. Gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 by Tiffany Circle members Kimberly Falk, Susan Noyes, and the Make It Better Foundation.
Learn more about the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive here.
American Red Cross Volunteers at the Great River Honor Flight breakfast on Oct. 19 received a special honor of their own as they were presented with customized Military Challenge Coins to commemorate their years of service to local Veterans.
The coins was presented by the Great River Honor Flight Committee during the final flight of 2023 to recognize the Red Cross Volunteers that have been serving at the event’s breakfast since its inception in 2009.
Each month, during the Honor Flight Season, volunteers have gathered to serve meals to the men and women that have dedicated their lives to serving our country.
Red Cross Volunteers Tom Hellhake, Pam Shaffer, Dorothy Yackley and Bruce Venvertloh were on hand to accept the Challenge Coins that have become a longstanding tradition in Military circles.
While today many service members and Veterans have received and proudly display Challenge Coins, the practice didn’t begin as an officially sanctioned tradition, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
So how did the Military Challenge Coin get its start? That story is still debated by military historians and archivists to this day.
The most believed origin tracks the tradition back to World War I when a wealthy lieutenant was one of many individuals who volunteered to serve. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, this belief states that the lieutenant wanted to give each member of his unit a memento and ordered several small bronze medallions.
The lieutenant’s plane was later shot down over Germany and he was captured by a German patrol. He later escaped to a French outpost with only his coin-shaped medallion that he wore in a leather pouch around his neck.
The lieutenant was able to use the medallion to identify himself as a serviceman and his life was spared. The story states that after he was returned to his unit, it became a tradition for all service members to carry a coin with them at all times.
Other historians believe that the origin of the Challenge Coin dates back to the Vietnam War where an Army infantry-run bar would try to keep non-infantry men away by forcing them to buy drinks for the whole bar. This story states that service members began showing bullets and grenades until the tradition of showing a coin to identify them as servicemen was formed.
Regardless of when and how the Challenge Coin began, it has now served as a proud tradition for service members and Veterans for decades.
The American Red Cross is most often visible for responding to disasters or collecting a big part of the nation’s blood supply, but the American Red Cross is also part of the world’s largest humanitarian network. Together with our global Red Cross and Red Crescent teams, relief is provided to 1 in 65 people around the world every year.
One way that relief is provided is through the Restoring Family Links program. For more than 150 years, the program has helped reconnect separated families and address the issue of missing persons as a result of armed conflict, natural disasters, migration, and other situations. Families suffer greatly when their loved ones remain unaccounted for, and they must learn to live with uncertainty. It is this uncertainty that Red Cross Restoring Family Links caseworkers work ardently to resolve.
Linda Pulik is one of those caseworkers out of the Greater Chicago Chapter. Linda recently re-engaged as a volunteer with the Red Cross and knew Restoring Family Links was an area of interest to her, as she has immigrated twice in her life. She has empathy for how difficult it is to be separated from family, though she knows her experience isn’t as painful or frightening as it can be for the families that Restoring Family Links serves.
“I know how important this is because in my own family the fear of not knowing where your family is when you’re separated geographically is immense,” Linda said. “It’s just been part of daily life for my family going back generations, and so I’m very grateful to be able to be a part of a program that facilitates connecting family members, whoever they may be.”
In the past year, the American Red Cross helped reconnect nearly 4,000 families. That is an impressive number considering making those connections can often be as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack, according to Linda.
“I cannot tell you the thrill that I felt on my first case when I used information from a Red Cross message and I got hold of the right person on the first try,” she said. “I was so honored to be part of a process that lets someone know that their family member in another country is looking for them.”
One of the challenges of working to restore family connections is how sensitive the information can be due to the often-ongoing conflict or migration, so it’s important to be respectful of the people involved. Linda says she values the humanity on which the Restoring Family Links program is built, and she feels as though she has been given the resources for success in her role as a caseworker.
“A big part of the reason why I love being a Restoring Family Links volunteer is because of the eminent community that I’ve become a part of and the type of support that I get from my colleagues and supervisors,” Linda said.
Thank you, Linda for your dedication, compassion, and willingness to give your time and service and uphold the mission of the Red Cross to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
If you live in the United States and are seeking information about someone you’ve been unable to contact due to a recent disaster in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, please visit American Red Cross’s Contact and Locate Loved Ones page. This information is also available in Spanish to search for your loved one.
If you are looking for a family member living abroad who is not a US citizen, please submit your inquiry here.
American Red Cross of Illinois 