Monthly Archives: October 2024

Loma Prieta Earthquake: “This disaster was a wake-up call for all emergency response organizations.”

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Mary H. Lee, Red Cross Disaster Health Services Volunteer, shared her memories of the Loma Prieta Earthquake.

A Red Cross pin, the perfect way of thanking all the dedicated volunteers who helped during the Earthquake Disaster Relief Operation
Photo courtesy of Mary H. Lee

“As we were standing outside our newly renovated home in Belmont on October 17, 1989 at 5 pm, we shook hands with  our contractor to thank him for a job well done. Moments later the ground shook under us. We looked at our house and smiled as it was still standing. At that time little did we know of the severity of the earthquake.  

Late that evening I was called in by the San Mateo Red Cross Chapter to staff a shelter as Disaster Health Service (DHS) Nurse. It was eerie to drive down a darkened highway 101 with no cars on the road to the shelter located in a hotel in Burlingame. The people in the hotel shelter were a tour group that had their trip interrupted. It was a very quiet night. 

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The true spirit of heroism

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Bruce Richardson and Hanna Malak, Regional CEO during the award ceremony.
Photo: Virginia & Albert Becker – American Red cross

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, a time to reflect about the critical nature of sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of life-saving training. This month, we honor the stories of those who have trained and stepped up in such critical moments.

On February 6, 2023, Bruce Richardson witnessed a man collapse in the parking lot of an auto parts shop in Los Gatos, California. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, demonstrating the true spirit of heroism.

The individual in distress, a long-term employee of the shop, was experiencing cardiac arrest. As his coworkers called 911, Bruce began performing CPR on the unresponsive man. His decisive actions were crucial in those critical moments.

Bruce worked as a national ski patrolman for 20 years. As part of his professional training, he learned CPR and advanced first aid. However, it was his determination and courage to face this life-threating situation what really sustain the man’s life until emergency responders arrived.

For this heroic and lifesaving action, Bruce received the Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action in a ceremony in San Jose.

“The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is given to individuals like Bruce, who step up in an emergency situation and help save or sustain a life,” said Ken Toren, Executive Director for the Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter. “He exemplifies the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.”

Bruce Richardson’s story is an inspiring example of how training, combined with a willingness to act, can save lives.

The Bridge to Hope and Help: Meet Kane Wong, Bay Area Chapter’s Clara Barton Award Recipient

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By Jill Feldon and Martin Gagliano

Photo courtesy of Kane Wong

A fire broke out in a multi-family, 38-unit apartment complex in Oakland, leaving the building uninhabitable and its residents displaced. Most didn’t speak English and desperately needed assistance. While a temporary shelter was available for a couple of nights, the fire caused such extensive damage that it would take months of repairs before the families could move back in.

Kane Wong and his American Red Cross team called many potential shelters and arranged for a church in the neighborhood to provide shelter for the affected individuals for an extended period of time. “We also arranged for a translator, feeding and other assistance from our partners,” he said. “It’s great to make things happen, lessening client anxiety and misery.” Kane also commented that the church thanked the Red Cross for allowing them to participate in the relief efforts. This collaboration furthers the church’s goals to support the community.

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