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”
Category Archives: Disaster Cycle Services
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”
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”
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”
Former first responder finds his purpose as a Red Cross volunteer
After a career-ending injury at his railroad job, Ed Conn faced a turning point in his life and set out to rediscover his purpose. In February 2023, Ed found a new purpose, dedicating his time and energy to volunteering with the Red Cross, turning a personal setback into an opportunity to make a difference. EdContinue reading “Former first responder finds his purpose as a Red Cross volunteer”
“You think you’re going to lose it all”: Monica Dixon’s Home Fire Testimonial
“I did actually smell smoke, but I just thought maybe somebody was burning wood,” said Monica Dixon. On the morning of August 12, 2024, Monica Dixon woke up to the unimaginable – a fire in the unit below her apartment. “It was just coming out, it was coming out of the roof, coming out ofContinue reading ““You think you’re going to lose it all”: Monica Dixon’s Home Fire Testimonial”
A Whole New Perspective: Red Cross Volunteer Impacted by Home Fire
In an instant, everything changed for Red Cross volunteer Francine Lee and her husband James. On July 24, 2024, Francine was volunteering at a local church and about to head home, when she called her husband to check in with him. It was their 31st wedding anniversary, and she was rushing home to change clothesContinue reading “A Whole New Perspective: Red Cross Volunteer Impacted by Home Fire”
Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Almendra Minnaar, Disaster Services Volunteer
Almendra Minnaar has been volunteering with the American Red Cross in the Indiana Region for about four months. Though she’s relatively new to the organization, Almendra’s involvement with the Red Cross dates back to her native Argentina. At 18, she began volunteering with the Argentine Red Cross in Buenos Aires, where she trained to provideContinue reading “Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Almendra Minnaar, Disaster Services Volunteer”
“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 passionContinue reading ““I stayed up until midnight on my 13th birthday to sign up as a Red Cross volunteer””
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 12Continue reading “The Cox Family: Journey to Recovery After a Tornado”