“I stayed up until midnight on my 13th birthday to sign up as a Red Cross volunteer”
Since an early age, Katie Marcinko has had a connection with the American Red Cross. Her mom is a member of the Disaster Services Team in the Indiana region, and her grandmother is also a volunteer with the Red Cross. Therefore, being a Red Crosser and being able to help others was always a passion…
Red Cross Month: Honoring Dorothy Mae “Tommie” Cole Walker Anderson
Dorothy Mae “Tommy” Cole Walker Anderson, was a woman whose unwavering commitment to service left a memorable mark on the Greater Indianapolis community and beyond. For over 40 years, Tommie dedicated herself to the Red Cross mission of alleviating suffering and providing aid to those in need. She was the first woman to become a…
Giving a Gift to Impact Lives
With the United States facing a critical blood shortage, many of our recurring donors are answering the call and scheduling their donation appointments. One of those dedicated donors is Donna from Schererville, IN. Donna made her first blood donation 40 years ago, after learning her specific blood type could be used to help prematurely born…
The Cox Family: Journey to Recovery After a Tornado
March 31, 2023, was a stormy night for the residents of Sullivan, Indiana. A tornado swept through the area causing devastation. Kathie and Calvin Cox, 68, told us that they had to cling to their house floor to resist the winds when the tornado hit their home. “It was so fast, like 10 to 12…
Celebrating Clara Barton: A Life of Service
As I reflect on this year, I am reminded of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross and a true visionary at heart. Her story is proof that one can dedicate their life to service and motivate others to persevere and recognize their full potential and power. As such, today, I want to…
Family Continues to Give Back After Four-Year-Old Daughter is Diagnosed with Leukemia
In April 2021, Laura James’ family traveled from Indiana to Iowa to celebrate Easter with relatives. While on the trip, her four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Haven, suddenly became ill. Haven developed a high fever and Laura noticed that her heart rate was elevated. Laura took Haven to a local hospital, where after multiple tests the emergency doctor…
Honoring David: A Veteran’s Dedication to Service
David Priest is a dedicated member of our Disaster Action Team, and when he is not responding to home fires, he is providing disaster training to fellow Red Crossers. He began volunteering with the organization in 2016 with Services to Armed Forces. As a U.S. Force Veteran, this came as a natural choice for David,…
Dorinda Burrell’s Story: From Air Force Veteran to Red Cross Volunteer
This month, we continue to honor our Red Cross volunteers who have served in the military. We spoke with Dorinda Burrell, an Air Force veteran and Red Cross volunteer. Through our interview, Dorinda, who was a member of the Air Force from July 1976 until a car accident in January 1978 permanently disabled her as…
A Salute to Our Volunteers on Veterans Day
As the Regional Director of Service to the Armed Forces for Indiana, it is with a profound sense of gratitude that I address you on this Veterans Day. Today, we collectively express our deepest appreciation to our volunteers and staff members, from every department and service line, who have nobly served in the United States…
Saving Lives Through Blood Donation: Christina Starkey’s Story
Four years ago, Christina gave birth to her first child and daughter. Although it was a very quick delivery, things took an unexpected turn when Christina had a sudden and severe hemorrhage. While she understood that such complications could arise during childbirth, she did not anticipate it being her reality. Christina shares that even with…
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