American Red Cross’ Post

Alex Blair had just started her senior year of high school when she began to notice persistent bruising and worsening feelings of exhaustion. As a volunteer firefighter and multi-sport athlete, she knew something was wrong when going up a flight of stairs felt like climbing a mountain. In October 2018, Alex was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects a person’s bone marrow and blood. From the time she was diagnosed to when she received a stem cell transplant to treat her cancer, she needed multiple blood and platelet transfusions. “We lost track of counting after 200 units,” Alex said. “It was a lot. After getting a blood transfusion, I felt like I could run 3 miles. You don't realize how low on blood you are until you get a transfusion, and it makes a world of difference.” Just after her diagnosis, the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department began hosting blood drives at the fire station in her honor, and they've continued to make it an annual event, with the community rallying behind Alex to help the blood drive exceed its goal for blood donations every year. “I think that it's hard when you go to donate to see the difference you make,” Alex said. “Now that I have a story to share, I love going to help out at the blood drives, telling people it is making a difference. “I think it's important to know if you're giving blood, it could be going to any person at any age. In the time you sit in the chair, you could be giving somebody the rest of their lives. They will get to make memories and experiences with family and friends that they might not have had the opportunity to if you never sat down to donate.” Now, Alex is back to responding to calls with her fire family and is also in her first year of nursing school. She’s not opposed to the idea of working on the care team that helped her through her diagnosis and treatment, and she looks forward to starting her oncology rotation soon. 🧡

This National Nurses Week, we want to introduce you to our chief nurse, Linda MacIntyre, PhD, RN, PHN, FAAN. Join American Red Cross Training Services for a LinkedIn Live highlighting how she broke barriers throughout her Red Cross career and the lasting impact she is making in the medical field.

Last November, Tracy Fox stepped into a crosswalk and her life changed forever. Tracy, one of our employees who works in Government Relations, was leaving an event at Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C. when she was hit by a bus. The wheels caught her left leg, and when she woke up in the hospital, she learned the damage was so extensive that she’d need an amputation. Unfortunately, Tracy developed an infection and her hemoglobin levels dropped so low that surgery wasn’t possible. That’s when her care team ordered a blood transfusion. “The minute my doctor said, ‘We’re going to do a transfusion,’ I asked if it would come from the Red Cross,” Tracy said. “As soon as they hung that unit of blood, sure enough, it said, ‘Generously donated to the American Red Cross.’ That one unit of blood saved my life because I was able to have surgery, eliminate the infection, and go on to recover.” Tracy received her blood transfusion on Christmas Day, the best Christmas present she says she’s ever gotten. She spent January in the hospital and was eventually able to return home, continue rehabilitation, and receive a prosthetic leg. Tracy says she’s living proof of something that's often said here at the Red Cross: Every blood donation makes a difference. In her words: “I received one unit of blood, but that ‘just one unit’ made the difference between life and death for me. I had a successful outcome because someone thought to go and donate that one unit of blood. It really can be one unit that changes a person’s life in an instant. I’m especially grateful to that person who donated and changed my life — and all who donate. “It’s such a journey, and every day is a new learning. First, it was how to get out of a hospital bed. Then, how do I hop around with a walker. Once I was fitted for my prosthetic leg, that was a whole new journey. I do therapy three times a week to work on strength, balance and gait. At 50 years old, I have found new muscles I didn’t know existed! "Through it all, I’ve been reminded just how lucky I am in a million ways. If I had been just one or two steps further in the crosswalk, it would have been a totally different outcome. If just one person reads my story and goes to donate blood, that’s what I want and why I keep pushing forward.”

Santiago Montiel was working at a hotel before the wildfires in Hawaii. He remembers the day he lost everything. “Para mí fue algo que yo no lo podía creer,” he said. “Mi ropa, mi cama, mi refrigerador. Todo, perdí.” Santiago slept in his car until a friend told him about the Red Cross. Our volunteer caseworkers worked with Santiago to ensure he had a safe place to stay and essential resources in the aftermath of the wildfires. He also received financial assistance to help replace items he lost in the fire and purchase food. Now, Santiago has moved into a new place through a housing program provided by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), a Red Cross grantee. “Sí, yo de verdad que eternamente agradecido con la Cruz Roja y no es una exageración,” he said. “Yo pienso que todos están agradecidos con la Cruz Roja por el trato que nos dieron, por la ayuda.” While Santiago's life was forever changed by the wildfires in Hawaii, Red Cross volunteers and partners have been supporting him through his recovery every step of the way. ❤️

“We serve without flinching because we believe in the mission: serving those who serve, as their own sacrifices are far greater.” Debra Cox is a member of Service to the Armed Forces Team 54, a group of 23 Red Crossers who have committed to dropping everything at home to support military members in locations across the globe. “Delivering emergency communications is our primary goal,” said Debra, who is spending the next few months in Kuwait. “We also work on morale programs and work alongside commands to ensure support for members as needs arise.” The Red Cross helps military families communicate with their loved ones and facilitate their return home to deal with emergencies through our Hero Care Network. Over the past year, we’ve provided over 367,000 emergency communications. Team members like Debra will deliver emergency messages about a loved one’s illness, injury or death to commands who ultimately decide whether a service member will be released. From there, the Red Cross ensures that the service member and their family receive support during and after the family emergency. “As is true of all Red Crossers, our hope is to make a difference,” Debra said. “It is truly an honor and a privilege for Team 54.” We are extremely grateful for the 14,000+ volunteers and staff members who carry out our mission of supporting military members, veterans and their families across the country and around the world. ❤️ #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

Drowning can happen silently and quickly. If you have little ones by the pool this summer and notice a child is missing, always check the water first. As you prepare for summer, here are some other ways you can be ready by the water: - Ensure everyone in your household knows how to swim. - Have life jackets on hand for small children. - Learn CPR.

More than 100 tornadoes touched down across six states over the weekend. Supporting those affected in the aftermath is our priority, and it’s just as important to ensure people stay safe ahead of severe weather events. If you don’t have tornado alerts set up on your phone, follow these steps to turn them on through our Emergency app.

“A smoke alarm is not going to save your home. It’s going to save the most precious thing you have, and that’s the people inside.” In December, Robert Harris, who is an Army veteran, former law enforcement agent and the chief operations officer for the American Red Cross of Louisiana, experienced a devastating home fire. He credits smoke alarms that were installed by Red Cross volunteers for saving his life. “Without a shadow of a doubt, I can say that the reason I'm sitting here and talking to you today is because that smoke alarm went off,” Robert said. “If it had not gone off, there’s no way I would be alive — the smoke would’ve gotten me before I made it out of bed.” Robert had gone to a friend’s birthday dinner the night of the fire and returned home to enjoy his fireplace in the living room with his service dog. He eventually settled for bed until he was jolted awake by the screeching sound of smoke alarms. He heard an unfamiliar roar coming from the living room and checked the doorknob but felt no heat. When he opened the bedroom door to investigate, he was met with fire and black smoke instantaneously. “It took my breath away and it took my sight from me,” Robert said. “My eyes burned so badly. Thankfully, Robert and his service dog were able to escape through the bedroom window. “I had always been told through Red Cross training that you had two minutes to get out from the time a house fire started, but I never believed it,” Robert said. "I always thought I would have more time.” It took only five minutes for the fire to engulf Robert’s home. Firefighters weren’t able to save his house, but fortunately, prevented the flames from reaching his daughter’s house next door. Robert may have not utilized Red Cross recovery assistance but his experience made him appreciate the services we offer that much more. He’s also working with our Service to the Armed Forces team to get his prized military awards reissued. ❤️ This work wouldn’t be possible without YOU — our supporters! That’s why our friends at Suburban Propane are matching EVERY dollar you give starting today (April 29) up to $200K. Make your generosity go twice as far by donating through this link: https://rdcrss.org/49QzRdP #EndHomeFires

The reasons are endless. We love it when our volunteers share their 'why' with us. 🫶🏽 No matter what inspires you to volunteer, we're grateful to everyone who chooses to support our mission. From delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals to comforting people after a disaster, we couldn't do it without you. Let's keep the conversation rolling! Share your reason for giving back in the comments. ⬇️