Sickle cell disease affects more than 100,000 people in the United States. One out of every 365 Black or African American births is affected by sickle cell. People living with sickle cell disease may need as many as 100 units of blood each year. These are all statistics that Demeatrice Nance was unaware of prior to October 2003, when her daughter Makenzie was born.
Makenzie Nance, sickle cell warrior
“There were some abnormalities in her newborn screening and the doctor wanted us to come in to talk about it,” Demeatrice said. “That was when they told us that Makenzie had sickle cell disease.”
Demeatrice and her husband were devastated, mostly, she said, because they didn’t know where to start getting the best help for their daughter.
From that point on, Demeatrice was on a fact-finding mission – a quest for knowledge about sickle cell disease. “We did a lot of online research and had a lot of conversations with the doctors. We were also referred to a local sickle cell outreach group that provided a lot of resources for Makenzie and our family,” Demeatrice said.
As Demeatrice delved more deeply into the world of sickle cell disease, she quickly discovered how important blood donors, especially Black blood donors, would be in Makenzie’s life.
Fast forward just two and a half years and Makenzie needed her first blood transfusion. “The doctor told us her hemoglobin had dropped, and it was at a crucial state, and Makenzie needed a blood transfusion,” Demeatrice explained. Then she and her husband got word from the doctor that there was a blood shortage, specifically from African American donors, which was what Makenzie and most all sickle cell patients need.
“The doctor said we’re just gonna try and wait it out and try and locate blood for her,” Demeatrice said. And while it was only about a day before they did locate blood for Makenzie, Demeatrice said it felt like a year. “From that time, donating blood has been a priority to me and educating people about the importance and the reason to donate blood. It’s important that our sickle cell warriors have the blood supply when it’s needed.”
Makenzie and Demeatrice Nance
For the past 15-plus years Demeatrice and her family have been advocating and educating. Advocating for her own sickle cell warrior, Makenzie, and all of the sickle cell warriors who desperately need blood. And educating the public about why they need blood and why the blood supply needs to be maintained through regular donations.
“My first blood drive was small,” Demeatrice said, “but when I shared my story and explained the importance of donating, not just for sickle cell patients, but for cancer patients and trauma victims and others, the numbers started growing.” Demeatrice says she always tells people, “It could by my day today, or it could be your day tomorrow,” which is why she encourages everyone she meets to donate blood.
As for Makenzie, she’s just graduated with an associate’s degree in health science and is starting her nursing clinicals in the next couple of months. “Sickle cell patients are often told they can’t do a lot of things, but over the past 21 years Makenzie’s done more things than a lot of people ever thought she could do,” Demeatrice said, beaming with pride for her sickle cell warrior.
Click here to hear more of Demeatrice’s story about her journey with Makenzie and sickle cell disease.
To schedule your appointment to donate today, visit redcrossblood.org.
While Northern Ohio hasn’t seen temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit since last year, summer is here, and it is time to prepare for high temperatures. Extreme heat is happening more often and more intensely — 2024 was the hottest year on record globally — and in more places, like Northern Ohio. As extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., the American Red Cross urges everyone to take critical actions to stay safe. These include:
Stay hydrated. When temperatures are high, drink a cup of water every hour, even if you aren’t thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Remind friends and family members to do the same. Also, babies should be breast- or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration.
Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center. You can also take a cool shower or bath. Please make sure to look out for older neighbors and relatives as well as anyone without air conditioning.
Outdoor workers and athletes should take breaks in the shade and frequently drink water: a cup every 20 minutes. They should also use a buddy system to check on one another.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in bright colors.
Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
Prepare for power outages during heat waves. Be ready to stock an ice-filled cooler with food, water and medicine, so that they don’t spoil. If you need to keep medicine cold or use medical devices that need power, talk to your doctor about a backup plan. Also keep food cold by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible; eat fresh, perishable foods first; and throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. More information is available here.
Know the signs of heat illness. While some are at higher risk of heat related illness, such as older adults, children, pregnant women and those with medical conditions, anyone can become ill when their body cannot properly cool down. It is critical to act fast, as some types of heat illness can be deadly.
Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and slowly sip water. Don’t drink if you feel sick, and get medical help if cramps last over an hour or you have heart problems.
Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. In addition to the above, loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you don’t feel better, vomit or have heart problems.
Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. Don’t drink anything.
Learn more tips and download the Red Cross’ Extreme Heat Safety Checklist HERE.
Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer
Honoring members of our community, our military, and first responders who stepped up when someone else needed them to.
By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross
Thursday, June 5, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio celebrated the 2025 Northeast Ohio Hero Awards at the Cleveland Marriot Downtown. It was a wonderful morning spent honoring everyday heroes who stepped up to do extraordinary things and, in some cases, save lives.
This year’s event featured 15 heroes whose stories you can read below:
Christi Paul, Izzy Abdallah, Mike Parks
Izzat “Izzy” Abdallah (Cuyahoga County): Twinsburg Firefighter Izzy Abdallah saved the life of a motorist who had a medical emergency and crashed into his car. Off duty at the time, Abdallah discovered the driver in cardiac arrest and immediately started CPR, directing his neighbor to call 911. Thanks to his quick actions, the patient regained a pulse and was taken to the hospital, later released in stable condition. Watch Izzy’s story here.
Dorian Pace and wife
Dorian Pace (Cuyahoga County): School bus driver Dorian Pace saved students from a burning bus in Cleveland Heights. After hearing loud booms and seeing smoke and flames, Pace swiftly evacuated the students, ensuring their safety moments before the bus was engulfed in flames. His quick thinking and selfless actions earned him recognition from the city and Governor Mike DeWine. Watch Dorian’s story here.
Christi Paul, Ralph Gamber, Megan Dwyer, Meredith Homerick, Mike Parks
Meredith Homerick, Meggan Dwyer, Janel Micsky, Ralph Gamber, Shaun Laubis, Jessica Pressley (Lake County): These everyday heroes saved a man from a burning car on Interstate 90. Witnessing the accident, they quickly dragged the driver away from the fire, provided medical assistance, and ensured his safety until emergency services arrived. Their selfless actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Watch this heroic story here.
Christi Paul, Matthew Certain, Mike Parks
Matthew Certain (Lake County): Uber driver Matthew Certain rescued an elderly woman from a house fire in Mentor. Noticing flames coming from a garage, he parked his car and alerted the resident, ensuring her safe escape. His timely intervention likely prevented a tragic outcome, and he stayed with the woman until emergency services arrived. Watch Matthew’s story here.
BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr., BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM1 Adam R. Chinski
BM1 Adam R. Chinski, BM3 T. Dylan W. Thompson, BM2 Luke A. Finnel, MK3 Hector Salcedo Jr. (Lake Erie off Avon Point): Coast Guard members conducted a daring rescue in 8-foot seas on Lake Erie. They safely transported the master of a disabled sailing vessel caught in severe thunderstorms, ensuring his safety and planning to recover the vessel once weather conditions improved. Watch our Coast Guard story here.
Blood Hero Award Winners 2025
Harlan Diamond
Harlan Diamond, of blessed memory | 1934-2025 (Cuyahoga County): Harlan Diamond was a significant supporter of the Red Cross, hosting large annual blood drives at his venue, Landerhaven. His dedication to supporting the Red Cross included providing food and facilities for donors and staff, and his legacy continues to be honored posthumously.
Paul Wadowick
Paul Wadowick (Ashtabula County): Paul Wadowick, a long-time volunteer and blood donor ambassador, continues to champion blood donation while battling cancer. He has been instrumental in running successful blood drives through his Knights of Columbus role in Geneva, encouraging new donors with his story and dedication. Watch Paul’s story here.
Additionally, the Red Cross presented the 2025 Clara Barton Mission Award to Linda Uveges and the inaugural Lorainne Dodero Community Leader Award to Higley Construction. Read their stories below:
Christi Paul, Linda Uveges, Mike Parks
Linda Uveges, Chief Executive Officer of The City Mission has dedicated her life and career to serving Christ by loving and advocating for those who are hurting and underserved. She believes that every person is made in the image of God and is passionate about extending His love to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Cleveland. More than just leadership, her work is a calling—to bring hope, restoration, and the truth of the gospel to those in need.
Her journey with The City Mission began in 2003 as a volunteer, simply seeking to serve as Christ calls His people to do. That step of obedience grew into a lifelong mission, and she officially joined the staff in 2005. Over the years, she has had the privilege of serving in multiple roles, including Security Staff Supervisor, Laura’s Home Program Manager, and Chief Operating Officer. In 2021, she became CEO, where she now leads with a commitment to honoring Christ in all aspects of the Mission’s work, stewarding resources well, and ensuring that every person who walks through the doors encounters His love and grace.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University, equipping her with the strategic and organizational expertise to lead with wisdom and purpose.
She is a graduate of Leadership Cleveland, and the recipient of various awards including the 2023 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Top Executive Award, 2023 Crain’s Smart 50 Awards Class Honoree, 2023 Smart 50 Impact Award, 2022 Smart Women Awards Honoree, and 2021 Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Nonprofit Executive of the Year.
ABOUT THE CITY MISSION
Serving Cleveland since 1910, The City Mission has provided vital resources to those who need it most. The City Mission actively meets the needs of those experiencing homelessness and goes even further by supplying resources, support programs, and mental health services to take a family in crisis to one with hope and a brighter future.
Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center and Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center go beyond a place to sleep and three meals a day. When a man, woman or child in crisis enters their doors, each receives an entire support system. With individualized, Christ-centered, compassionate care to heal from trauma, identify the root causes that led them to poverty, and access to supportive and educational resources, men and women who graduate from these programs achieve stable income and housing, thus breaking the cycle of poverty for their families.
By compassionately restoring individuals in crisis, The City Mission strives to be a catalyst for positive change in Cleveland resulting in the radical transformation of individuals and communities for generations to come.
Since its founding 100 years ago by Albert M. Higley, Sr., Higley Construction has built a legacy of excellence. Established in 1925, Higley Construction quickly gained recognition in the industry, completing significant science and research facilities for institutions like the Case School of Applied Science and Hiram College. By the 1930s, the company expanded beyond Ohio, undertaking projects from Buffalo to Indianapolis. During World War II, Higley Construction played a pivotal role in the war effort, constructing key defense projects, including the region’s largest wartime facility for Cleveland Pneumatic Aerol and the U.S. Coast Guard Cleveland Station. Today, Higley Construction operates from offices in Cleveland, OH; Akron, OH; Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; and Morristown, NJ.
Higley Construction’s legacy extends beyond construction through a deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy. Founder Albert M. Higley, Sr. was an active leader in Cleveland’s civic and business community, serving on various boards such as the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross. His son, Albert M. Higley, Jr., carried this tradition forward, leading the company from 1967 and alongside his wife Beverly, established the Higley Fund in 1994 to support local organizations. A third generation of Higley leadership, Bruce Higley, was instrumental in shaping the company’s modern era, all while upholding the long standing Higley family commitment to community engagement.
Today, the Higley family’s philanthropic legacy continues through Sharon Higley Watts, a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle, and the Higley Fund. The family foundation is a Chairman’s Council member, recognizing their significant contributions of over $1,000,000 in cumulative giving. Separately, Higley Construction remains committed to supporting community initiatives, including the Red Cross Cup and the Hero Awards, with leadership from Executive Vice President Dan Sehlhorst.
By Michael N. Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired)
Hello friends and family of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio!! As we head into Memorial Day weekend, also known as the unofficial start of Summer, I’d like to highlight some of the other significant dates we recognize during the month of May which will hopefully help answer the question, “Why is May ‘Military Appreciation Month?”:
Military Appreciation Month: Observed throughout the month of May. This month-long celebration, established in 1999, is dedicated to honoring and thanking the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
Month of the Military Caregiver: Observed throughout the month of May, established in 2017, honors more than five million caregivers in the U.S. who support wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans.
Victory in Europe (VE) Day: Commemorating the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day: The Friday in May before Mother’s Day, first recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, is set aside for us to pause to recognize the military spouses who have the greatest impact on service members and our military communities.
Children of Fallen Patriots Day: Observed on May 13th (selected because it’s also the day Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864) to show appreciation for the young people whose lives were forever changed in support of their parents’ service to our country.
Armed Forces Day: Observed annually on the third Saturday of May, designated in 1949 and established by proclamation in 1950 by President Truman, is a day to honor and recognize current active-duty service members of all six branches in the U.S. Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force).
Memorial Day: A federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May to mourn and honor American military personnel who have died in service to our country, both in peace and in war. It’s a solemn day of remembrance, reflection, and public displays of gratitude for their sacrifice. It was originally called Decoration Day established in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union Veterans) to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War. It was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1968. Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance in 2000 to designate a time (3:00 pm local time) for quiet reflection and prayer.
As you can see, there are many opportunities to recognize, honor, and/or celebrate members (past and present) of the Armed Forces, and their families, in the month of May. Please remember, Armed Forces Day specifically honors current, active-duty service members, while Veterans Day (November 11th) recognizes all those who have served. Memorial Day (this coming Monday, the 26th) honors those who died in service to our country (which is why we shouldn’t wish people “Happy” Memorial Day). I’m repeatedly asked how to greet service members and veterans. I’ve found the most meaningful comment is a simple, “Thank you for your service!” To those who have lost loved ones, “Thank you for your sacrifice,” is always appropriate. I hope we’re all able to take time this weekend to have a memorable Memorial Day. Best regards…Mike
For Nasir Ahmad, deployment was nothing new. As a retired member of the United States Air Force, Nasir had been on multiple deployments. But his most recent trip overseas with the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces was new territory. Previously, Nasir was carrying out his mission as a service member. This time, he’d be providing a service to other service members along with his Red Cross team.
Nasir Ahmad, Service to the Armed Forces
The Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) branch of the Red Cross focuses on active service members, veterans, and their families, providing various humanitarian services and resources. Nasir explains that his primary focus is on emergency communication, which looks different in Northern Ohio compared to in Iraq, where Nasir was recently deployed for six months.
“You become directly involved in the process (of emergency communication) when you’re overseas,” Nasir said. At home, in the Northern Ohio Region, most of the work Nasir and the SAF team does is over the phone, whereas in Iraq, it’s often face to face. “It’s just different when your overseas and the service member has a conversation with you,” Nasir explained. He spoke of one example where a female service member was having a personal emergency, on the base, at 9 o’clock one night. As he and the rest of the team were settling down for the evening, there was someone who needed direct care. That is the work of SAF in action.
“When I was in the Air Force,” Nasir, who was an aircraft mechanic, said, “we had that mission, that focus, and when you go with your squadron, there’s nothing else. Now, with the Red Cross, I get to focus on the service member and assisting them and being there for them, and I’m really enjoying this mission.”
When asked whether his experience in the Air Force prepared him for deployment with the Red Cross, Nasir said it did because of his shared connection with the service members he is there to help. “But don’t feel like you have to be a service member of former service member to do this,” Nasir said. “It’s really a beautiful thing to not have that connection and still be willing to go over there and assist and be there and support our service members.”
There are all types of SAF volunteers. Many who have prior military backgrounds, others who have family members who have served, but also there are those who have no background or personal connection to the military. “I’ve seen some volunteers who deploy with no connection,” Nasir said. “That’s why I commend them so highly because at least I had my buddies with me.”
But in preparing for a deployment with the Red Cross SAF team, Nasir explains that is when relationships are built and friendships are formed, often life-long friendships. “We form our own team,” Nasir said, “and it reminded me of going with my unit.”
The team Nasir deployed with, “Team 55,” had only met online prior to their case work and other Red Cross training at Camp Atterbury, in Edinburgh, Indiana. “In the same room it was different,” Nasir said. “We had Red Crossers who had deployed before… and they were absolutely essential.” Even with his previous military experience, specifically deploying overseas, Nasir said he approached his training as a first timer. “They were so valuable to my experience. It being my first time overseas with the Red Cross… I leaned on the Red Crossers who had done this before. Those were the ones who were leading the way.”
National Nurses Week is an annual week of recognition of the hardworking nurses in our community and runs every year from May 6 to May 12. This year, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio wants to recognize a local Akron nurse, Cynthia Bell, RN MSN, who has dedicated her life to the profession and continues to serve, even in retirement.
Cynthia Bell
Cynthia was encouraged to start her nursing journey when she was fresh out of high school and trying to determine life’s path. A chance encounter with an Akron City Hospital administrator at her church changed everything for her. She was given the opportunity to attend the hospital’s nursing program for free, and she jumped at the chance.
“I said my parents can’t afford nursing school, and he said, well decide if you want to go, we’ll take care of it. I said, no brainer. But did I have any idea what I was getting myself into?“ she recalled. “No clue whatsoever.”
“’You’re going to be responsible for people’s lives’,” Cynthia was told, “and I remember panicking and I was 21 years old. But I’ve never looked back, I loved every minute of it, it was the best career choice. It was all in God’s plan because I would never have thought about being a nurse. It all works for the good. And I think that’s why I stay in the community, because I know the impact that one person can have on somebody else, and somebody may be having a bad day, and you can just be there for them.” Cynthia reflected.
Cynthia eventually went on to complete her bachelor’s degree at Capital, and then her Masters in psychiatric mental health. She spent 37 years of her 52-year nursing career at the Cleveland Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital. “It’s the highlight of my career, I’ve enjoyed every, every minute of being a nurse at the VA,” she beamed.
At the VA, she was the nurse manager and Assistant Chief of the Homeless Domiciliary. “We housed 122 veterans, some with mental illness, some with substance abuse, gambling issues, and they could have a combination of those things, and we got them housed and improved their health and set up healthcare for them in the community,“ she explained. “I just loved being the nurse manager because my nurses ended up giving great care. You had to be innovative, and compassionate, and tolerant, and it made a difference.”
Now as a retiree, she fills her days with volunteer hours, tutoring students in Akron and working as the President of the Akron Black Nurses, an organization that conducts local health fairs and blood pressure screenings in the community. She also serves as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the Red Cross, working about 10 blood drives a month.
Cynthia Bell at a Red Cross blood drive
“I go to the different blood drives, and I greet and help sign in any of the donors that come in, and we often engage in playful or good conversation. I meet so many different people. Some have a lot in common and some that have nothing in common. But we always end up having a good conversation. It’s a great place to meet people,” Cynthia said.
“I really hope that people continue to see the importance and the need for donating and if they have time, in becoming an ambassador for the Red Cross. I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and how happy I am being a volunteer.”
Be sure to thank a nurse this National Nurses Week and join me in saying a big thank you to Cynthia for her dedication to nursing and helping her community. Consider joining other volunteers at the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross by clicking HERE to learn about the available opportunities.
Carol O’Brien is approaching her 25th anniversary as an American Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador, a volunteer role she relishes with the same enthusiasm she had when she started her Red Cross career in the year 2000.
Shortly after retiring from her position with an insurance firm, Carol said she decided to donate blood for the first time. That’s how she became familiar with the volunteer Blood Donor Ambassador position.
“It looked like it would be fun to do a couple of times a month,” she said. At one point, Carol was volunteering at up to six blood drives each month, registering donors and helping them through the donation process. “Now, I just work four shifts a month,” she said, with no plans to cut back anytime soon.
Because she volunteers so frequently, Carol said she has learned the names of many repeat blood donors.“ I like to meet people, and it’s easy to pass the time,” she said while staffing the registration table at a recent blood drive in Mayfield Village.
Carol also keeps an eye on the refreshment area, making sure snacks and beverages are available following each donor’s generous gift of blood. To learn more about the Blood Donor Ambassador position, visit here.
Red Cross volunteers are also needed to transport blood donations from blood drives to the biomedical services lab in Cleveland, and from the lab to area hospitals to help patients in need. Visit here to learn more about the opportunity to pick-up and deliver lifesaving blood..
Edited by Glenda Bogar. American Red Cross volunteer
The American Red Cross would not operate at the level it does without its incredible volunteers. In fact, 90% of the Red Cross mission is accomplished by volunteers, many of whom are utilizing their skills across multiple lines of service.
Nikole Goncalves, Red Cross volunteer
Nikole Goncalves is only a couple of years into her Red Cross journey and already she is exploring all the different volunteer opportunities available to her.
“A little more than two years ago I started as a Blood Services Donor Ambassador after I donated blood for the first time,” Nikole said. She saw what they did for her when she went to donate and thought, “Oh this is cool,” and she signed up.
“I enjoy putting a smile on donors’ faces when they walk in the door,” Nikole said, adding that she feels like she’s doing a lot for her community while working as a Blood Donor Ambassador.
Now, Nikole is doing even more for her community as a part of the Sound the Alarm program. “I didn’t realize the Red Cross installed smoke alarms in homes,” Nikole said after seeing photos from previous Sound the Alarm events. With her photography background (she studied photography in college) Nikole thought this was a perfect opportunity to utilize her particular skillset as a volunteer.
Photo credit: Nikole Goncalves, American Red Cross
Photo credit: Nikole Goncalves, American Red Cross
So, Nikole started volunteering as a staff photographer for Sound the Alarm events, taking photographs of other volunteers and Red Cross staffers installing smoke alarms in homes around Toledo and Lorain, where she’s originally from.
“I feel like the photos I take of these installations can really tell the story and give the look of the Red Cross mission.” And Nikole says she’s learned so much about that mission while going out for Sound the Alarm events.
“My outgoing personality makes people feel comfortable,” Nikole said. And whether that’s a first time blood donor walking up to her table or someone she’s taking a picture of at a Sound the Alarm event, the Red Cross sure is grateful for volunteers like her.
If you’d like to join Nikole and the thousands of other volunteers utilizing your skills while carrying out the Red Cross mission, click here.
Standing in line at a doctor’s office, Kevin Kovak and the person in front of him discussed the time they had after retirement. The person said he was quite busy, helping others as an American Red Cross volunteer. It clicked for Kevin. After getting home, Kevin examined volunteer opportunities on the Red Cross website and applied to be a Blood Transportation Specialist. A few weeks later, Kevin was riding in a vehicle with fellow volunteer Pete Angiocchi, learning routes and job details, delivering lifesaving blood. Kevin knew this is what he wanted to do and soon had weekly routes of his own, delivering critical blood to hospitals throughout Northern Ohio.
Kevin Kovak, Red Cross volunteer
Kevin is nearing his first year as a Red Cross volunteer and has made an impact. Alayah Ross, Red Cross Service Delivery Supervisor, Volunteers and Transportation, praised Kevin as being a great person, who is “very enthusiastic and understanding, which enhances his volunteer position tremendously.” She said, “He is very efficient and doesn’t mind training new volunteers or taking on new tasks,” and, while modest, “engages others to register and complete much needed shifts” and use the app. Alaya added, “Thanks so much Kevin!”
Kevin has known the importance of helping others since childhood. His mother had been a Red Cross volunteer, spoke fondly of it, and was later involved in other community services, often with Kevin’s help, such as Meals on Wheels and raising money for cancer research.
When asked why the Blood Transportation appeals to him, Kevin said he loves to drive and expressed appreciation for the focus, dedication and professionalism, both at the Red Cross and hospitals. Most of all, Kevin likes helping to keep people alive.
A unique aspect of Blood Transportation is that specialists often travel independently, and as timeliness and accuracy are critical, efficiency is key. Kevin mentioned this appeals to a certain personality, someone who is self-motivated and focused, often someone who does not seek the spotlight but is essential.
Blood Services is still a team effort, of course, and Kevin spoke very highly of staff members and fellow volunteers, especially Alayah Ross and Pete Angiocchi. Kevin said that Alayah is great at balancing the role’s critical nature while making it enjoyable. As for Pete, Kevin said he is a “volunteer superstar” who has helped Kevin throughout, including writing detailed diagrams and notes to assist Kevin on a new route.
Kevin brings experience from his distinguished career to the Red Cross. He received a degree in industrial technology from Kent State in 1980, where he met his wife, began a career in engineering sales, eventually moving to senior management and retired in 2021.
Kevin loves to spend time with his wife, two children and three grandchildren. He is a major Cleveland sports fan and 455 Club member. He also studies history, takes part in a Civil War Roundtable, is an avid reader and enjoys walking.
When asked what he would tell someone considering becoming a Red Cross volunteer, Kevin said there are so many ways to give back, and the Red Cross is one of them, with a variety of opportunities. “If you want to give back and feel good about doing something to help, then sign up.”
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, please visit this link.
Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer.
Teresa Greenlief considers herself a hard-core American Red Cross volunteer. Retired on disability after 15 years as a firefighter/EMT, she spends as much as 30 hours a week on activities with the Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley chapter. “I do everything I can,” she says proudly.
Teresa, who calls Cuyahoga Falls home, manages the chapter’s vehicle fleet and is trained to do mass care and feeding, disaster damage assessment, family reunification and local disaster response. She actively leads the chapter’s campaign to prevent home fires. “We’re focused on prevention, installing free smoke alarms and education.”
When she’s not at the chapter — “The chapter feels like home” — she’s eager to spread the word about the Red Cross. “I wear my ‘merch ’even when I’m not working,” she says warmly. People approach her when they see the iconic red cross on her jacket or T-shirt.
“My most asked question is, ‘where do I donate blood? ’The Red Cross is so much more than collecting blood, but that one’s a lifesaver.”
The Red Cross provides a framework for Teresa, and more than 300,000 volunteers across the country, to show their compassion for their fellow man. “It takes empathy and humility,” she says. “We all need it.”
During National Volunteer Week especially, we salute all the volunteers, like Teresa, who put on the red vest and give their time and talents to help prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. They make up more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce that:
teaches 4.5 million people a year first aid, CPR and AED,
provides more than 480,000 services to the men and women in our armed services, at home and abroad,
prepares to respond to an average 65,000 local disasters each year, most of them home fires,
continues to install free smoke alarms (2.6 million alarms installed and counting!) and help families make home safety plans (saving more than 2,300 lives in 19,560 towns across the country),
supports Red Cross operations in office settings and virtually,
and more!
“There is such a need for the Red Cross,” Teresa says with emphasis. “You have to have empathy for people and be a team player, but the rewards will come back to you ten-fold.”
Just like the people it serves, the Red Cross welcomes people from a wide array of cultures, lifestyles, ages, backgrounds and beliefs. Come join us! Begin at redcross.org/volunteer.
Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer
NOHredcross 