Kati Ek recently donated blood for the first time at an American Red Cross blood drive. As someone who received lifesaving blood, the act of being able to donate blood herself to help others has added meaning for Ek. “I see the importance of it, and I was so proud to give,” she said. “I …
After a tornado, one family shares a story of hope
After tornadoes struck her mobile home community in Southwest Michigan on May 7, Autumn Schlotteback and her family sought refuge at an American Red Cross shelter. She said the Red Cross was a godsend. “It has been amazing and people have been so kind,” she said. Many of her neighbors also went to the shelter …
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Coping with a disaster can be distressing. Mental health volunteer Helen Ostien brings hope to those in their recovery.
For 26 years Helen Ostien has been counseling people coping with a disaster as part of mental health services at the American Red Cross. “We use strategies to help people who are experiencing trauma. We keep our focus on the here and now and what they need to do to begin moving forward in their …
SAF Volunteers Tom Robinson and Jim Seay honored with prestigious award for their service
Service to the Armed Forces volunteers Tom Robinson and Jim Seay were recipients of the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. Led by AmeriCorps in partnership with Points of Light, the award “recognizes the important role in America’s strength and national identity” and “honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation …
Alea Hewson received 13 blood transfusions as a child. Today, she gives back by donating blood, serving as a Red Cross board member.
On May 5, Alea Hewson will mark the day like she has done every year for as long as she can remember. She will compose a personal message to her work colleagues and Facebook followers that recounts her near-fatal accident when she was a toddler and the 13 blood transfusions that saved her life. She …
Lisa Henderson was displaced by a home fire. Then the Red Cross arrived. ‘They were my angels.’
When the worst happens, the American Red Cross is there to help. After a fire nearly destroyed her Detroit home a year ago, Lisa “Queen” Henderson said she was overwhelmed by their response. “I call them angels. They were my angels,” she said. “It was just a smooth process through a stormy situation. I am …
Muskegon Mother Credits Smoke Alarms with Saving Her Families Lives
Carena Levelson was asleep on the living room couch when she was awakened by the high-pitched sound of smoke alarms going off in her Muskegon rental home. It was just past midnight as the smoke and acrid smell quickly filled the home. Christmas was three days away. She crawled to the door and into the …
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Volunteer Candice Mushatt Sounds the Alarm for Home Fire Safety After a Family Tragedy
For the second year in a row, American Red Cross volunteer Candice Mushatt will be installing smoke alarms and teaching families about home fire safety during Sound the Alarm events in her hometown in Flint and in neighboring city Saginaw. It’s a role she embraces with a passion and community spirit stirred by family heartbreak. …
Blood donor turned blood drive planner – How one donor’s late mother inspires him to give
To Dan Wyrembelski, giving blood is a priority. As a son who lost his mother to cancer three years ago, he said he cannot overstate the importance of blood to so many people. His mother, Carol Baranic, recovered from bouts with cancer in her 20s, 30s and then 50s. Over the years, Wyrembelski said he …
Nett Henderson’s Motto is to Give Blood: ‘Every Unit Counts’
To commemorate Black History Month, we’re celebrating Red Crossers and how they’re making a difference in the mission. Nett Henderson has seen a lot over her time with the American Red Cross. She celebrated 25 years with the Red Cross on Feb. 15. As a phlebotomist, Nett said she is always thinking about the blood …
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