Every day, Red Cross Phlebotomist Katherine Moench helps collect whole blood and power red blood donations and ensures blood drives run smoothly across the Evansville area. Through her work, she knows blood donors help patients who need lifesaving care. In December 2024, she experienced the Red Cross mission firsthand. “I have always been onContinue reading “Phlebotomist Recognition Week: Red Crosser Katherine Moench Provides a Critical Link Between Blood Donors and Patients”
Author Archives: RedCrossstoriesIndianaRegion
Indiana Mother Gives Blood in Honor of Daughter Saved by Donations
It was a cold January day, filled with excitement as Gayla Schapker would soon become a grandmother for the first time. But when Gayla checked her phone, she saw the kind of text no mother ever wants to read, “Eli’s uterus ruptured, and they are doing emergency surgery.” After more than 60 hours of labor,Continue reading “Indiana Mother Gives Blood in Honor of Daughter Saved by Donations”
Blood Donations Provide a Lifeline of Hope During a Health Crisis
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”
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”