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”
Author Archives: RedCrossstoriesIndianaRegion
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 “
Making a Difference One Unit at a Time
Tim Strom has seen a lot of things change in his lifetime, but his commitment to being a blood donor is one thing that has remained constant. Over the last 52 years, Tim has donated more than 30 gallons of blood, one unit at a time. Although Tim believes this milestone is a great accomplishment,Continue reading “Making a Difference One Unit at a Time”
National Nurses Week: Celebrating Nettie Wilson, COO of the American Red Cross Indiana Region
During National Nurses Week, we pause to honor the compassion and dedication that nurses bring to every corner of our communities. Today, we shine a light on Nettie, a registered nurse of 19 years whose journey has taken her from emergency rooms to emergency response, now serving as the Chief Operational Officer of the AmericanContinue reading “National Nurses Week: Celebrating Nettie Wilson, COO of the American Red Cross Indiana Region”
Red Cross Volunteers Travel to the Indiana Region to Help During Disaster Response
In April, severe weather, tornadoes and flooding impacted parts of the Indiana Region. Red Cross volunteers and disaster worked jumped into action and are on the ground working with local partners in Indiana. Together, we’ve provided more than 7,700 meals and snacks and 3,000 relief supplies to some 760 households. Plus, we’ve provided 200 overnightContinue reading “Red Cross Volunteers Travel to the Indiana Region to Help During Disaster Response”
Looking Back: Red Cross Donut Dolly Reflects on Her Service More Than 50 Years Later
In the midst of the Vietnam War, Marcia Martin felt called to do something. She was a senior at Western Kentucky University and heard many people on campus talking about the war. Marcia soon learned about the Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, where young college-educated women deployed to provide support to millionsContinue reading “Looking Back: Red Cross Donut Dolly Reflects on Her Service More Than 50 Years Later”
Honoring David Mangia for his Presidential Award Nomination
David Mangia has been a vital part of the American Red Cross for almost a decade. As a volunteer with the Southwest Chapter, David serves in several roles and was recently nominated for the American Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence. The Presidential Award is given to an employee or volunteer who demonstrates exceptional performanceContinue reading “Honoring David Mangia for his Presidential Award Nomination”
“If you didn’t know me, you wouldn’t know I had it.”
It’s a cold January day in Highland, Indiana, but Cheryl Bennett is still smiling and greeting blood donors as they walk through the door at the Great Chicago Blood Drive. Cheryl is volunteering alongside her Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters, ensuring donors have a smooth and positive experience at the blood drive. As generous bloodContinue reading ““If you didn’t know me, you wouldn’t know I had it.””
The Impact of Deployment: Loida Rodriguez’s Deployment Experience
In 2024, I saw the beauty of the Red Cross mission shine through peers and volunteers who answered the call to help those impacted by disasters. A week after my birthday in October, I was assigned to the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Relief Operation in the Carolinas. Soon after, I headed down to Greenville, SouthContinue reading “The Impact of Deployment: Loida Rodriguez’s Deployment Experience”
Honoring her Late Husband Through Blood Donations
Pamela Barnett is on a mission. She is committed to donating 10 units of blood in honor of her late husband, Thomas Barnett, who passed away in July 2022. Pamela says Tom was a blood donor for many years, until he was diagnosed with a type of cancer and was no longer eligible to giveContinue reading “Honoring her Late Husband Through Blood Donations”