Every day, countless individuals rely on the generosity of blood donors to survive unexpected medical emergencies. Each donation can have a profound impact as the need for blood is constant. In April 2024, Holly Yoder discovered the importance of blood donations when routine blood work revealed dangerously low levels. After extensive testing, she was diagnosedContinue reading “Blood Donations Provide a Lifeline of Hope During a Health Crisis”
Author Archives: RedCrossstoriesIndianaRegion
Shelter Resident Transition Supervisor Carmen Piasecki Supports Families Affected by Disaster
When a disaster happens, Carmen Piasecki feels called to make a difference. She has traveled to states like Texas, Hawaii, and most recently, Alaska to help people experiencing some of life’s toughest moments. “The assistance you give can be lifechanging,” said Carmen. “I’ve seen that in various disasters.” In October, remnants of Typhoon Halong devastatedContinue reading “Shelter Resident Transition Supervisor Carmen Piasecki Supports Families Affected by Disaster”
Indiana Region Red Cross Volunteer Celebrates Home Fire Campaign Milestone
Every year, the Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters, the majority of which are home fires. In the case of a home fire, having a working smoke alarm can cut the risk of death in half. In September, the Southwest Chapter Red Cross was proud to celebrate the decades-long volunteer career of Jerry Kuykendall.Continue reading “Indiana Region Red Cross Volunteer Celebrates Home Fire Campaign Milestone”
Going Above and Beyond to Support the Red Cross Mission
Our lifesaving mission would not be possible without the generosity of our volunteer blood donors, including recent first-time blood donor Aimee Myers. Aimee serves as the Executive Director for the William J. and Bonnie L. Hefner Foundation, and after seeing a social media post about the need for blood, she made the decision to rollContinue reading “Going Above and Beyond to Support the Red Cross Mission”
A New Generator Empowers Local Organization to Provide Support and Hope During Disasters
Through our Community Adaptation Program (CAP), the Red Cross is working to build more resilient communities and empower those living in disaster-prone areas. Our CAP team in Lake County, Indiana, is focused on increasing access to health, hunger and housing solutions and we are proud to partner with local organizations like the Food Bank ofContinue reading “A New Generator Empowers Local Organization to Provide Support and Hope During Disasters”
Reuniting Loved Ones: Inside the Restoring Family Links Program in the Indiana Region
As the Indiana Region Director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services, Jeff Imel oversees the support and care of veterans, military and their families across the region. A special highlight of his role is guiding volunteers in the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program run by the American Red Cross. Working hand inContinue reading “Reuniting Loved Ones: Inside the Restoring Family Links Program in the Indiana Region”
Keeping Faith’s Memory Alive Through Lifesaving Action
When Sarah Smith’s youngest daughter, Faith, passed away in November 2023, she knew she wanted to carry on her daughter’s legacy. “The day she passed away, me and my husband Daniel looked at each other and said we had to stick together, and we had to keep her memory alive,” said Sarah. Faith was bornContinue reading “Keeping Faith’s Memory Alive Through Lifesaving Action”
Cindi Moon’s Commitment to Helping Others Shines Through Red Cross Service
Approaching 40 years of service to the Red Cross, Cindi Moon wears many hats as a volunteer. For the Indiana Region, Cindi is on the Service to the Armed Forces team as a Volunteer Partner. In this role, she represents the Red Cross at events, trains deployers before they travel overseas and manages their clothingContinue reading “Cindi Moon’s Commitment to Helping Others Shines Through Red Cross Service”
Inspired by Family, Driven by Purpose
Blood transfusions can be a lifesaving gift for patients and their families. Dan Stevens remembers the impact of blood donations for his older brother, Frank, as a child. “Frank was born in 1944 and needed frequent blood transfusions because of a kidney issue,” said Dan. At the time, he recalls it was common to seeContinue reading “Inspired by Family, Driven by Purpose”
Michael Zukunft reflects on his American Red Cross journey as he serves others
Michael Zukunft has been involved with the Indiana Region Red Cross since 1989, and estimates he devotes more than 1,200 hours every year to lending a hand. His journey with the Red Cross began at his former job when he stepped up during an emergency. “I was working in a factory and there was somebodyContinue reading “Michael Zukunft reflects on his American Red Cross journey as he serves others “