Author Archives: Julie Uiterwijk

Junípero Serra High School Senior Receives Red Cross Lifesaving Award 

Posted on by
Malik Osman accepting his Lifesaving Award at the 2026 Red Cross Gala.

The 2026 Red Cross Gala recently brought community leaders, volunteers and supporters together at The Conservatory at One Sansome in San Francisco, Calif. to raise support for American Red Cross preparedness, response and recovery programs. The evening paid tribute to three remarkable honorees whose actions exemplify humanitarian service and advance the organization’s mission.  

Amongst the night’s inspiring moments at the Gala was when Malik Osman, a senior at Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, received the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. The award is one of the highest distinctions awarded by the Red Cross and recognizes individuals who use lifesaving skills and knowledge in emergencies to save or sustain a life.  

Malik was working as a lifeguard at a youth soccer pool party last summer. Having recently completed his Red Cross lifeguard training, Malik was keeping watch over the swimmers when he noticed a young boy struggling in the deep end of the pool. 

Most of the children had left the water to play basketball, but two younger kids remained in the pool. When a toy floated into the deep end, one boy followed it without realizing the depth. As he tried to stay afloat, Malik quickly recognized the signs of distress. The child’s arms were spread outward in what is known as the instinctive drowning response. 

Without hesitation, Malik entered the water, reached the struggling child and brought him safely to the side of the pool. After lifting him onto the pool deck, Malik immediately assessed the child’s condition and began administering abdominal thrusts and CPR. 

While concerned parents gathered nearby, Malik calmly asked them to step back so he could continue the rescue. He directed someone to call 9-1-1 and continued lifesaving care until the boy began coughing and showing signs of regaining consciousness.  

When paramedics arrived, they commended Malik for his quick thinking and for following proper emergency protocols. Malik was just 16 years old but his swift and skilled response ultimately saved the child’s life.  

Malik with his family and loved ones at the 2026 Red Cross Gala.

“To tell you the truth, there wasn’t a lot of time to think or to be afraid,” said Malik. “When I saw him struggle, my Red Cross training just took over on autopilot. One minute I was scanning the pool, the next I was swimming. It wasn’t until the paramedics arrived and the boy was safe that the reality of what had just occurred hit me.” 

Malik’s commitment to humanitarian service extends well beyond the pool. After devastating earthquakes impacted communities in Syria, the third-generation Syrian American was moved by the stories of displaced families. He ran a marathon to raise funds for the Karam Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to education, mentorship, women’s empowerment and child protection for Syrian refugees. 

Malik also volunteered at the Turkey-Syria border, helping at Karam House and organizing a youth soccer camp for children in the community. 

Malik at the Youth Soccer Camp for Karam House.
Malik after his marathon run to raise funds for the Karam Foundation.

Through his dedication to preparedness, service and compassion, Malik Osman represents the goal of the Red Cross to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to act in emergencies and save lives. 

“I don’t see myself as a hero. I was just in the right place at the right time, with the right preparation. And that preparation exists because of the work the Red Cross does every day to educate and empower people in our communities,” reminisced Malik. “You give ordinary people the training to act when seconds matter, and I’m so grateful I had that knowledge when it counted.” 

GET TRAINED Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass. 

NOMINATE SOMEONE If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired. 

A Lifetime of Giving Back: How Blood Donation Became Part of Fred Sullivan’s Healthy Life

Posted on by
Fred Sullivan after his early morning whole blood donation.

At 91 years old, Fred Sullivan wakes up every morning at 4:00 a.m., laces up his shoes, and gets moving. Before most people are even thinking about coffee, Fred has already exercised, completed 110 modified pushups, and set out on a three-mile walk. This steady, disciplined routine–along with donating blood every eight weeks whenever possible–has been part of his long and healthy life.

Read more

Razi Aftab: Leading with Purpose and Passion at the American Red Cross 

Posted on by

Razi Aftab, a first-year student at University of California Los Angeles studying Electrical Engineering and Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, is not your average college student. Since December 2021, he has dedicated countless hours to the American Red Cross, rising as a trailblazer in youth volunteerism. His extraordinary commitment was nationally recognized when he received the Navin Narayan Award for Excellence in Youth Leadership at the Red Cross National Awards celebration in Washington, D.C. in April of this year. 

The award, named after the late Navin Narayan—a visionary youth volunteer and advocate—honors one young person annually between the ages of 15 to 24 who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service and dedication to the Red Cross mission. Representing the Northern California Coastal Region, Razi exemplifies these values through his extensive and impactful involvement with the organization at both regional and national levels. 

Razi’s Red Cross journey began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by his mother and inspired by a desire to give back, he joined the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign. The campaign, which educates youth about the rules of armed conflict, sparked a lasting interest in humanitarian service and opened the door to many more roles within the Red Cross. 

Read more

Best RV Center’s Commitment to Helping Wildfire Victims

Posted on by

In early January, a series of devastating wildfires tore through the Los Angeles metro area, leaving destruction in their wake. The fires, which impacted multiple neighborhoods, resulted in at least 29 deaths, the destruction of over 16,000 structures, and dangerously unhealthy air quality affecting millions. As communities continue to recover from this disaster, businesses and organizations across California have stepped up to provide support.

Samantha, Naiel Ammari’s daughter, evacuated from Calabasas during the devasting wildfires.

One such business is Best RV Center, a family-operated dealership located in Turlock, Calif. Established in 1997 by Naiel Ammari and his brother Nazeh, Best RV Center has grown into one of the largest RV dealerships in the region. Situated on 20 acres along Route 99, the dealership boasts an impressive inventory of 1,700 RVs, offering a wide range of models to customers from across the state.

When the wildfires broke out in January, the devastation hit close to home for Naiel. His daughter Samantha, a graduate student at Pepperdine University, was among those affected. Living in Calabasas, she faced difficulties commuting to school due to road closures. With no water or internet access, she and other students found support from the American Red Cross, which provided shelter, clothing, water and essential supplies to those affected by the fires. Pepperdine University was forced to close temporarily, shifting classes online, and Samantha chose to leave the area and drive eight hours back home to Turlock.

Read more