Give blood and get a free Cedar Point ticket

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By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

It’s almost summer, which means lots of time at the pool, summer barbeques, vacations and trips to Cedar Point. It’s also when blood donations tend to decline, as donors are busy with all of their summer activities. Unfortunately, the need for blood is constant in our community and across the country, and we need donors like you to help ensure those who need blood are able to receive it.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This includes accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and those battling cancer.

This summer, the American Red Cross and Cedar Fair theme parks are teaming up again to encourage donors to help save lives this summer. All you need to do is donate blood at select blood drives through August 1st and you’ll receive a free Cedar Point ticket.*

To find a Cedar Point blood drive near you and schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “CEDARPOINT”. Appointments for these blood drives are highly encouraged.**

*All those who come to donate at select blood drives will receive one free ticket, valid for entry to Cedar Point, while supplies last. Tickets are valid during the 2024 season and other restrictions may apply. Check park website for information on capacity, open dates and hours.

**Donors without appointments are not guaranteed a Cedar Point ticket, as
supplies are limited.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

As extreme weather events increase, so does the need for Red Cross services and volunteers

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2024 is predicted to be an extremely active year

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross Volunteer

Polyrhythms of raindrops drum at the window, accented by rolling bellows of thunder, a severe late May storm approaches. Lights flicker. I am relieved the roof, damaged weeks ago, has finally been repaired. Yet as a Northern Ohio resident I am fortunate, as the region is less prone to natural disasters. Earlier, I watched reports from the latest of this spring’s tornado outbreaks. Amidst the catastrophic scenes, as always, American Red Cross volunteers and staff members are there, ensuring those impacted have food, shelter, care, comfort, and resources to begin recovering.

March 30, 2023. Amory, Mississippi. Red Crosser Eric Besson examines damage to a home on Thursday in Amory, Miss. As many as 2,000 structures across Mississippi received major damage or were destroyed by tornadoes on March 24. More than 380 trained Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama, as the nonprofit organization works with partners to make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, meals, emotional support and comfort in the aftermath of deadly tornadoes on March 24. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe–and 2024 is predicted to be an exceptionally active year–the need for Red Cross services is increasing. Already, the Red Cross responds to almost twice as many large disasters than it did a decade ago, and in just the last 10 months, 125 volunteers from Northern Ohio have assisted residents affected by hurricanes and wildfires across the U.S. Four Northern Ohio volunteers are currently deployed to Texas and Iowa.

As eventful as 2023 was, with weather-related disasters forcing an estimated 2.5 million people from their homes, one-third of them for longer than a month, according to the New York Times, 2024 may be even more severe.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that, as of May 8, 2024, the US has had seven confirmed weather/climate disaster events, each with losses over $1 billion, resulting in the deaths of 70 people. The NOAA also states there were 384 preliminary tornado reports in April, more than double the 1991-2020 average and the second highest April count on record.

March 31, 2023. Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Red Crosser Yolanda Gainwell visits with Karebya Christmas on Friday outside Christmas’ heavily damaged home in Rolling Fork, Miss. Christmas was home with her three children – ranging in age from 2 to 11 years old – when the tornado arrived. Just like Christmas’ grandmother taught her, she brought the family into the bathtub and put a pillow on top of them. No one was injured, but her home suffered major damages, disrupting their lives, as well as the self-owned business she ran from the home. On Friday, Christmas received help at a drive-through distribution center, where the Red Cross and partners distributed rakes, shovels, totes, clean-up kits, flashlights, batteries and more. Displaced, Christmas is staying at a hotel in Ridgeland, Miss. until at least Monday. As she finished talking with Gainwell, Christmas thanked her for coming to talk with her at her home, but with the damage rendering it uninhabitable, she hesitated to call it a home. “I don’t know what to call it – my blessing in disguise, maybe,” she said. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

As summer approaches, the likelihood of an extremely active hurricane season and above-average wildfire season looms. Jim McIntyre, Regional Communications Director for the American Red Cross, Northern Ohio Region, recently conducted an interview with meteorologist Trent Magill of WEWS News 5. Jim and Trent discussed recent events, the need for planning and Red Cross services, and the outlook for the hurricane and severe storm season. Trent states, “everything we’re seeing shows above average intensity,” and that “it’s going to be a rough season.” Continuing, Trent says “Everyone should have a plan.”

Hopefully, you are wondering what you can do. For one, make sure you are prepared and have a plan. For another, please consider volunteering with the Red Cross. Volunteers account for 90% of the Red Cross workforce and represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles, and beliefs, just like those we serve. Everyone is welcome, and free online training is provided.

April 9, 2023. Little Rock, Arkansas. William Burkey, a member of the Red Cross disaster mental health team, and Jamie Harms, a member of the disaster health services team, work together to bring comfort and hope to Paula Rocha, whose home was damaged by a tornado that struck Little Rock, Arkansas, and several nearby towns. Photo by Kevin Suttlehan/American Red Cross

Three key positions are especially needed: Disaster Action Team volunteers, who help families in need following a disaster; Shelter Services volunteers, who support day-to-day activities in an emergency shelter; and Disaster Health or Mental Health Services volunteers, who use their professional skills as licensed healthcare providers to assist those impacted by a disaster. Please consider joining, as I can personally attest you will work alongside outstanding people and the see difference Red Cross services provide.

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

    Mike’s 2024 Memorial Day message

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    By Michael N. Parks, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
    Rear Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired)

    Friends and family of the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio – this weekend, we recognize and celebrate Memorial Day—the national holiday when we remember and honor those service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation’s freedom.  I recently attended an event when trivia questions were asked about Memorial Day.   I was amazed, and admittedly disappointed, by the lack of basic knowledge about this important holiday.  As members and supporters of the American Red Cross, I feel strongly that we should understand the importance of this day of remembrance since our organization’s history is inextricably linked to the history of Memorial Day.  With that as a preamble, I’d like to share the following “Did you know?” thoughts:

    Mike Parks

    +  Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, honoring those who died during the Civil War.

    +  Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868.

    +  Memorial Day’s birthplace was in Waterloo, New York (although there’s still debate about this, Congress declared it so in 1966).

    +  Memorial Day’s first official speech was given by General James Garfield to a crowd of 5,000 at Arlington Cemetery.

    +  Memorial Day was originally observed on the 30th of May until it was changed in 1968 to be observed the last Monday in May.

    +  Memorial Day became a national federal holiday by an act of Congress in 1971.

    +  Memorial Day is the occasion when gravesites in Arlington Cemetery, and veteran’s cemeteries around the country, are decorated with American flags.

    +  Memorial Day events typically include the playing of “Taps,” a 24-note bugle call originated in 1862. 

    +  Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day (no apostrophe & observed on November 11th) in that it honors those who have fallen while in service of our nation.

    My final “Did you know?” is the National Moment of Remembrance Act designates 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day each year as a moment of silent remembrance across the United States of America.  Please take 45 seconds to watch the below video.  I wish each of you and yours a memorable Memorial Day and God Bless America!!  Best regards…Mike

    Four generations dedicated to serving our country and community

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    Sons follow in mom’s footsteps

    By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

    Did you know that May is National Military Appreciation Month and that the American Red Cross has been serving the military for more than 140 years? The Red Cross works with military and veteran families through its Service to the Armed Forces program, including supporting military families during deployments and emergencies, providing home comforts and critical services on military bases and assisting veterans after their service ends.

    Alaina Foster, US Air Force

    At the head of the Northern Ohio Region’s Service to the Armed Forces and International Services is Regional Program Director Dr. Alaina Foster. An Air Force veteran who is part of a four-generation family of U.S. service members, she understands the importance of serving those who serve our country. Her grandfather, father and husband all served in the Army, and two of her sons followed in her footsteps to serve in the Air Force. She decided to join the Air Force after high school, serving one tour as an air traffic controller and a munitions maintenance scheduler.

    Richard West, US Army Veteran and Alaina’s father

    Following her service, she returned back to her home in Northeast Ohio and studied to be a state-tested nursing assistant (STNA). It was during her studies as an STNA when she had her first interaction with the Red Cross, which held some of the trainings as part of the program. After completing her STNA program she went on to earn multiple degrees, the most recent being a doctorate in education from Kansas State University.

    Through her schooling, she discovered a love for higher education and paired that with her military experience to serve veterans who were using higher education to transition back to civilian life. She remembers the feeling of being unsure of where her career would take her when she completed her duty and transitioned back to civilian life, and said it was an honor for her to be able to give back to her community and fellow veterans. Last year, Alaina, was presented the opportunity to join the Red Cross of Northern Ohio as the Regional Program Director for the Service to the Armed Forces and International Services.

    Jacob Blade, center, with siblings Jade and Jaz

    Alaina said one of her favorite aspects is working with the volunteers who are passionate about helping service members.

    “They work for hours on end…the reward for them is to assist the client,” she said. “They aren’t getting any financial award or benefits other than to help another human being. That’s what the Red Cross mission is all about.”

    Joshua Blade, US Air Force

    There are a lot of exciting initiatives coming up that Alaina also shared. One that is near
    and dear to her is the development of a workshop where she is combining her experience in higher education and what the Red Cross has to offer to support our veterans. The Service to the Armed Forces Virtual Resiliency Workshops are live, interactive virtual sessions that seek to bring together veterans to connect and learn the tools to build upon their natural resilience. Additionally, she is working with the Tiffany Circle, a community of women leaders who advance the American Red Cross mission, to host a baby shower for women veterans.

    Alaina’s joy and passion for the Red Cross and serving those in the Armed Forces
    shines brightly. She encourages everyone to connect with the Red Cross. “The
    American Red Cross is a phenomenal organization and is here to serve anyone who
    needs us.”

    Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

    Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

    The beeps are annoying – but they help save lives

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    Volunteers, partners make families safer with Sound the Alarm events

    More than 1,500 people in Northern Ohio can sleep more peacefully, knowing that if a fire occurs in their home, they’ll be warned by working smoke alarms installed by the American Red Cross, its volunteers, and its partners.

    Having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of serious injury or death due to home fire by half.  That’s why each spring, the Red Cross of Northern Ohio embarks on the Sound the Alarm Initiative, a three-week effort to install smoke alarms and share vital home fire safety information with residents in vulnerable neighborhoods.

    This year, Sound the Alarm events began on April 20th and continued through May 4th.  During that time, 1,846 free smoke alarms were installed in homes throughout the region, making 719 homes and the 1,530 people who live in them safer.

    “Sound the Alarm is a signature event, not only in the Northern Ohio Region, but throughout the country,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO. “It’s baked into the DNA of the Red Cross mission, which is to prevent and alleviate human suffering.”

    The effort to install smoke alarms and teach residents how to prevent home fires and create escape plans for their families began in Cleveland in 1992, in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Fire. The program became the Home Fire Campaign when it was rolled out nationwide by the Red Cross in 2014. 

    Sound the Alarm is an integral part of the Home Fire Campaign.

    “We could not install the number of smoke alarms, or make as many homes and families safer without the help of volunteers,” said Emily Probst, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of Northern Ohio. “This year, more than 300 volunteers donated over 1,000 hours to help more than a dozen communities become more resilient.”

    The alarms are installed at no charge to residents – but they are not free to the Red Cross.  Donors and sponsors help defray the cost of the alarms.

    “The generosity of our donors and the support of our sponsors make our lifesaving mission possible,” said Michelle Polinko, Regional Chief Development Officer.  “We are so fortunate to have so many people who are dedicated to the mission of the Red Cross, and who want to help save lives.”

    This year, Sound the Alarm sponsors included Buckeye Broadband, Enbridge, First Energy, Goodyear and Westfield.

    To date, 2,117 lives have been saved across the country, thanks to the efforts of Red Cross volunteers, partners and supporters who have visited homes across the country, installing smoke alarms and making families safer.

    While the Sound the Alarm initiative runs each spring, residents can request smoke alarms for their homes any time by visiting soundthealarm.org/noh.

    Sound the Alarm events were held in Cleveland, Lorain, Akron, Canton, Massillon, Toledo, Tiffin, Austintown, East Palestine, Orrville, and Monroe, Michigan.

    See more photos of many of the Sound the Alarm Events in our photo albums here. 

    Recognizing National Nurses Week

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    By Kathryn Dean, RN, American Red Cross volunteer

    During National Nurses Week, May 6-12, the Red Cross wants to recognize the important value that volunteer nurses bring to the mission of the Red Cross. 

    Since the inception of the American Red Cross in 1881, nurses have been at the heart of the organization. Initially assisting mainly in disaster relief and war support efforts, their role today has greatly expanded to include veteran support, educational services and training, academic support, children’s programs, blood drives and so much more.

    I spoke with Patricia Horvath, RN, MSN, who works as the Volunteer Regional Nurse Lead for Northern Ohio. She is responsible for a team of 90 volunteer nurses in Northern Ohio and for the recruitment, retention and recognition of nurse volunteers. 

    American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Volunteer Regional Nurse Lead Patricia Horvath (right) presents volunteer nurse Rosanne Radziewicz with her Red Cross nurse’s pin.

    Her contributions to the role have successfully brought the nurse volunteer numbers back up after a period of loss following COVID-19. However, nurse volunteers are always needed and she wants to encourage any nurse considering volunteering with the Red Cross to do so.

    “For National Nurse Week, one of the best opportunities that we can put forward to nurses is to find a way to become a Red Cross nurse volunteer,” she said. “Not only does it give you your own joy to contribute to others — nurses are basically humanitarians, that’s who’s drawn to the profession. Our purpose is to make the community healthy, and the best way to do that is to volunteer through the Red Cross.”

    To recognize the service of nurse volunteers, the Red Cross has a tradition of awarding nursing pins to those nurses who have completed at least 20 hours of service. 

    “We are very keen on making sure that our nurses receive the Red Cross nurse pin,” Patricia explained. “It has a long history in the Red Cross and was originally called ‘The Badge.’ Being awarded the pin is a formal process that we do during volunteer recognition month.” 

    Each pin is uniquely numbered, registered with that person for life, and logged nationally.

    There are other benefits to volunteering. Patricia explained that the Red Cross offers many free continuing education units (CEUs) for nurses, which helps to maintain their requirements for licensure. In addition, Ohio nurses who obtain multi-state nurse licensure have the opportunity to travel outside of the state to respond to domestic disasters.

    Nurses bring their unique education, experience and desire to help others to the forefront every day when they volunteer with the Red Cross. 

    “All lines of business the Red Cross has … everything that we do, there’s a role for a nurse.”

    Explore the volunteer opportunities available at the Red Cross here and get started in your volunteer journey. To learn more about the history of nursing at the Red Cross, tap here.

    Earth Month should be every month

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    As April comes to a close, we spotlight the NOH Green Team

    By Rachel Hepner, Executive Director, American Red Cross of Western Lake Erie

    Red Cross employee Erica Eckel reusing office supplies

    Sustainability isn’t just another word the Red Cross throws around, it’s part of our fabric…our biodegradable fabric that is. The Red Cross has built and trained “green teams” around the country that not only work together to spread sustainable initiatives, but also engage local teams on ways WE can be more sustainable at our chapters and in our day-to-day lives. Since we started, we’ve installed water refill stations at most of the facilities in the region, planted trees, distributed reusable water bottles to staff and invested in smart thermostats.

    I’m sure you are wondering how you can help. Well, here are a couple easy ways to become part of the solution.

    Turn off the water! According to the EPA, letting your faucet run for five minutes while washing dishes can waste 10 gallons of water and uses enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 18 hours. Sidenote: if you make your kids do the dishes that wastes 3x as much water…just have them take out the trash instead.

    Red Cross employee Kristen Gallagher’s rain barrel
    1. Buy a houseplant. “But I don’t have a green thumb and I kill all my houseplants!” No, you won’t! Just set a weekly reminder that says, “wet my plants” as often as the plant species requires! It’s that simple!

      FUN FACT: Studies have shown that indoor plants can improve focus, decrease depressive moods, and lessen symptoms of anxiety. When your mind and body are relaxed, it can improve your blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels.
    2. Carpool! Sure, sometimes you don’t want to talk to people, or don’t have the same taste in music, but carpooling is a great way to reduce emissions. Maybe a game of “name that tune” will help pass the time.
    3. Plant a pollinators garden. Here we go with the green thumb thing again…BUT a pollinator garden provides a habitat and nutrition for species which have lost much of their natural resources. It creates a safe environment for bees, which the world relies on as the most important pollinator organism. Bees help our food people! If you want to start small, visit your local Red Cross office to grab a packet of wildflowers! Your local flying pollinators will be buzzing with excitement!
    Red Cross worker Tracie Endress uses a water bottle filling station

    These are just small examples of how you can be a part of the sustainability movement. Want to learn more or join a local “Green Team” or have an idea? Email us at NOHGreenteam@redcross.org.

    Stay sustainable!

    Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

    National Volunteer Week Profile: Mark Auburn

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    By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

    Volunteer work for the American Red Cross was never really something Mark Auburn considered. Now, 30 years into his service, he says the Red Cross has become a part of who he is.

    Mark Auburn, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

    “I don’t have a dramatic story, like many volunteers,” Mark said. “For me, it was swimming lessons when I was a kid – that’s where it started.” It was the personal connection that stood out to him. The time volunteers took with the members of his own community really made a
    difference to Mark.

    Then, when he found out that the majority of the entire organization was volunteers, Mark said he bought-in even more.

    “Ninety percent of the people who work for the Red Cross are volunteers. That’s incredible!” And over the course of his 30 years with the Red Cross, Mark has seen those volunteers help people in his own community and around the world. To witness first-hand the reach of the Red Cross has been nothing short of remarkable for Mark.

    “One of the huge changes in the Red Cross over my 30 years of volunteering is the sense of relationship between the Red Cross and the community. When I started, we were very locally focused.” Mark has since seen the reach of the Red Cross extend around the world.

    Sharing his story with his fellow volunteers is a key part of the Red Cross experience for Mark. “I think it’s important that volunteers talk with other volunteers to learn their individual Red Cross stories.” That’s part of why Mark is looking forward to the upcoming Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation event in Akron.

    Mark is not only a volunteer, he’s also a longtime member of the Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley Chapter Board of Directors. And at 79-years-old, Mark is still going to meetings, face-to-face, to meet and work with fellow board members and other volunteers, all in the name of the Red Cross mission.

    The biggest part of that mission is to “alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.” Recently, Mark experienced his own health emergency when he was hospitalized with COVID- 19. “I had complications that resulted in an internal bleed,” Mark said.

    During his hospital stay Mark suffered a stroke. As a result, he needed six units of blood. “Because of the blood donated by strangers I am able to tell my Red Cross story today. Someone I will never know gave blood because they believe in the mission of the Red Cross, and it saved my life.”

    Mark has seen the impact the Red Cross has made in his own life and around the world, and he encourages everyone to find out more about it for themselves. To do so, visit redcross.org.

    Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

    National Volunteer Week Profile: Mike Falatach

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    By Christy Peters, Regional Communications Manager

    “I love dogs and I love people.” Knowing this about American Red Cross volunteer Mike Falatach, it’s no wonder he’s the volunteer leader for the Red Cross Animal Visitation Program (AVP) in Northern Ohio. Part of Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, animal visitation teams support military members and their families across the United States and overseas. In Northern Ohio, Mike works with nearly 40 volunteers and their animals, coordinating visits to the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland and National Guard bases across the region.

     American Red Cross Animal Visitation Program volunteer lead Mike Falatach with his therapy dog Macee.

    Mike currently has two Great Pyrenees therapy dogs, Macee, who will be 9 in June and Rosie who is 5. In addition to his role at the Red Cross, Mike is certified to evaluate dogs through Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog Inc. guidelines which is an approved Therapy Dog program by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Mike is also an AKC Temperament Jude and Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

    According to the AKC, “therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of others.” Training to become a therapy dog is no simple task. Dogs must learn to ignore food that’s nearby, how to stay calm amid beeping medical equipment and be with lots of other dogs without turning the event into a playdate.

    Rosie is a 5 year-old Great Pyrenees and one of Mike Falatach’s two therapy dogs

    “We look for dogs with personality. They wag their tail or cock their head,” Mike said. “A dog that loves to visit with people and gets excited to do so is important because many of our events have lots of people.”

    For many military members, seeing a Red Cross therapy dog is an important reminder of home when they are away training. Mike recalls being at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio for a leadership academy. He said officers came in and sat on the floor with the dogs, crying. “They told us about their dogs, how they missed them,” said Mike. “In the midst of that intense training, the dogs gave them much-needed comfort.”

    Rosie ready to visit the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center

    Mike is always amazed at how a visit from a Red Cross therapy dog can break down barriers with patients. “The dogs take their mind off their pain and what they are going through,” he said. He’s visited individuals who are unable to speak but as soon as they see the dog they smile. Some patients are in the middle of painful medical procedures during a visit, but they perk up and immediately want to pet the dogs when they arrive.

    “Macee and I visited a rehabilitation hospital, and a patient was struggling to finish their walk,” said Mike. “The nurse said, ‘If Macee walks with you, can you walk more?’ and the person did. They don’t want to disappoint the dog.”

    Rosie visits with a service member as part of the Red Cross Northern Ohio Animal Visitation Program

    Mike said being part of an animal visitation program with a national organization like the Red Cross means a lot to his volunteers. There’s a limited number of years for a dog to do therapy work, so any chance volunteers have is exciting for them. “They are eager to participate, they want to share their animals with people,” he said. “The people we meet enjoy it and are so appreciative and that means so much to us.”

    The Red Cross is grateful to Mike and his entire team for the important work they are doing to serve military members and their families. You can learn more about Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces here.

    Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

    National Volunteer Week Profile: Monica Bunner

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    Giving those in need “a hug, a smile, and some hope”

    By Jim McIntyre, Regional Communications Director

    Monica Bunner describes herself as “something of an adrenaline junkie.”

    That’s a reasonable explanation for her willingness to go anywhere the American Red Cross is needed following a disaster. She said she’s not a “sit at the desk type of gal,” but needs to be physically involved.

    Monica’s volunteer career with the Red Cross began in 2017. She was watching Hurricane Harvey unfold and felt she had to do something. She deployed to Houston to help, but not with the Red Cross. Not that time.

    “A cause I already supported also needed help,” she said. That cause was Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She was stationed at NRG Center, taking care of pets when she saw Red Cross workers helping people who needed shelter, and thought, “If I’m not doing the animals, maybe I can do the people thing.”

    When she returned to Northeast Ohio, Monica began training to become a Red Cross disaster responder. She has helped people following home fires, installed smoke alarms, and assisted at fundraising events. And she began to deploy to help people who needed shelter following major disasters, such as flooding in southern Ohio, Hurricane Ian in Florida, and the devastating Maui wildfires in Hawaii.

    Red cross volunteers Randy Liang and Monica Bunner in Maui, Hawaii

    “I always wanted to make a difference, to work with communities, to give people some direction, a hug and a smile, and some hope.”

    Monica has continued training to expand her skills, and now works primarily with community engagement and partnerships, helping the Red Cross connect with other resources to assist people who have been impacted by disasters. She also helps reunite families who are separated during disasters, and she helped establish Red Cross disaster communications in Puerto Rico.

    Fluent in Spanish, Monica was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and emigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was a child. She worked at NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, helping recruit and train women in non-traditional fields like science and engineering, and was on the team that recruited the first female U. S. astronauts.

    Following her NASA career, Monica opened a real estate brokerage and a home rehabilitation business, noting how she was one of the first “female flippers.” And she has traveled to El Salvador with a church group to help build homes there.

    Monica plans to continue connecting with and helping people in need through the Red Cross for the immediate future but admits the time will come to slow her frenetic pace. “This work is very physically, mentally and spiritually demanding,” she said. But it’s also rewarding. “I love the feeling of just connecting with people,” she said.

    The Red Cross relies on more than 265,000 volunteers like Monica Bunner to fulfil its mission, and if you’d like to learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

    Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer