Honoring ordinary people who’ve done extraordinary things

The 29th Annual American Red Cross Acts of Courage event was a night to remember. As it does every year, the awards ceremony kicked off with the H. Peter Burg Award recipient. The American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley proudly presents the H. Peter Burg Award each year to one or more individuals who best exemplify leadership in the community, compassion for its people and dedication to the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross.

Ron Paydo, market president for The Huntington National Bank in the Akron Canton area, has been named the recipient of the 2025 H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award. Paydo, who serves on the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley board, was selected by a committee of past award winners. Ron is the epitome of what the H. Peter Burg Award represents and is a pillar of his community.  

In 2025, the Red Cross is honoring Heroes to Blood – individuals, organizations, or corporations that have gone above and beyond to aid in the collection of our nation’s blood supply. The inaugural recipients of the Heroes to Blood award were: 

Ruby Dailey 

Ruby’s extensive volunteer work with the American Red Cross has made her a beloved figure in her community. Since retiring, Ruby has donated over seven gallons of blood and actively supports blood drives. Her warm personality and genuine care for others create a welcoming environment for donors. Even well into her 90's, Ruby still contributes, from homemade treats to personalized interactions, and has significantly enhanced the blood donation experience for so many others.

Charla Martin-Bloodsaw

Charla is being recognized for her tireless efforts in promoting minority blood donations and sickle cell awareness in Summit County. Through organizing blood drives, educating the community, and participating in sickle cell activities, Charla has made a significant impact. Her dedication to raising awareness and encouraging blood and plasma donations has helped save countless lives and support those affected by sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross values the health and well-being of our blood donors. During the month of March, the Red Cross will expand its health offerings to include A1C screening, a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. Understanding our own health is the foundation for helping prevent chronic illness and a blood donation can be a part of that journey.

The 2025 Acts of Courage Award recipients include a group of women who saved a runner from an attacker in the park, a military veteran whose quick thinking helped save his neighbor’s life, and a teacher who saved a choking student, TWICE! 

Kendra Santiago

Dominos employee Kendra Santiago was taking an order over the phone when the man she was talking to suddenly went quiet. Kendra decided to deliver the pizza herself so she could check on the customer. When she arrived, she found him having a seizure and not breathing. Kendra called 911 and stayed with the customer and his wife until help arrived.

Samantha Wilson

While monitoring the cafeteria during lunch at Suffield Elementary School, Samantha Wilson noticed a student choking. She immediately began performing stomach thrusts on the student and finally dislodged the food after several attempts.

Daureatha Hython

While driving home from work late one night, Daureatha Hython saw a car accident on I-77. She stopped to help and found the driver of the vehicle wedged against the steering wheel with no pulse. Daureatha, and other motorists who had stopped, moved the victim and began CPR. They were able to revive the person before paramedics arrived to transport them to the hospital.

Dave Parsons

Dave Parsons was helping his friend Aaron clear trees on his property when one of the trees fell on Aaron, trapping him on his tractor. Dave rushed to help and saw Aaron was severely injured and bleeding. Dave used a ratchet strap to create a makeshift tourniquet and applied it to Aaron’s injury. He then called 911 and stayed with Aaron until help arrived.

Donna McFadden, Laura Rufe, and Susan Victor 

While walking together in Cascade Valley Metro Park Donna McFadden, Laura Rufe and Susan Victor witnessed a woman being attacked. They called 911 and then confronted the assailant, hitting him on the head with a rock so the victim could escape. Donna, Laura and Susan stayed with the victim until the authorities arrived and arrested the attacker.

Reagan MacTavish, Veronica Graves and Madelyn Stys

When a participant in an Aqua Aerobics class at the Wadsworth YMCA suffered a cardiac arrest, lifeguards Reagan MacTavish, Veronica Graves and Madelyn Stys jumped into action. Reagan alerted other staff and began rescue efforts, including CPR. Veronica and Madelyn assisted Reagan also performing CPR and using an AED. The member was transported to the hospital and recovered.

To nominate individuals for heroic Acts of Courage, click here!