Author Archives: redcrossnorcalstaff

Why My Family Gives Back to the Community

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Story by Caitlin Cox

Tracy Cox and Susan Smithcamp-Cox, showing their pride to be blood donors.
Photo courtesy of Caitlin Cox

Many blood donors are proud of their donations for various reasons, and my parents are two of those donors who are really proud. Tracy Cox and Susan Smithcamp-Cox are long time blood donors and have shown me as their daughter, Caitlin, that I too can give back to the community by being part of the American Red Cross.

When I was quite young, I started going with my dad to Delta Blood Bank in Turlock which later became a Red Cross Donation Center. When I would go with him, I would always work on a puzzle while he was giving blood.

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To Japan and Back

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Volunteer Spotlight on Renee Grossman by Kat Slusser – American Red Cross

Photo courtesy of Renee Grossman

Imagine leaving your comfortable, predictable life to offer your time as a Red Cross volunteer halfway around the world. That’s exactly what California resident and Services to the Armed Forces Red Cross volunteer, Renee Grossman, did when her spouse, an active-duty service member, was deployed to Japan.

Renee spent two and a half years on Yokota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan. She was looking for a way to give back and make friends in the community, so she volunteered with the American Red Cross through an office located in the air base. She met local Japanese residents who also volunteered and was afforded the opportunity to learn from others in the community.

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Embarking on an Unexpected Adventure

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From training to disaster deployment, a new Red Cross volunteer experiences the mission in action.

By Lori Souza, Red Cross communications volunteer

In the most extraordinary circumstances, we find the most ordinary people willing to help others. Farshad Fallah was one such volunteer who found himself in a position to help others as a volunteer for the Red Cross. As a Finance guy by day, he was not moved by the work he was doing, and in August 2023, he signed up as a volunteer for the Red Cross. He did not expect to go from applicant to volunteer so quickly, but he was ready for whatever was next. By the end of the month, Farshad’s life would change drastically, and he would embark on an adventure he never expected. 

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Youth Volunteer to Seasoned Professional: Debbie Yee’s Red Cross Journey

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By Anika Kurkut, Red Cross Communications Team Intern

Photo courtesy of Debbie Yee

Debbie Yee, a dedicated Red Crosser for 23 years, turned her passion for helping others into a fulfilling career as a Senior Disaster Program Manager where she leads disaster response efforts for the Northern California Coastal Region.

Debbie first started volunteering with the Red Cross in the summer before she began eighth grade, as a requirement for volunteer service. Little did she know, this initial step would lead to a lifelong career dedicated to helping others. Her early days as a Red Cross volunteer in the Bay Area were marked by her involvement at the Leadership Development Camp (LDC), where she was able to find inspiration among fellow passionate youth volunteers. Debbie recalls, “I was organizing events at school, helping with blood drives, and fundraising.”

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Spotlight on the Region’s Chapter Board Chairs

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By Chloe Li

At the heart of the Red Cross’s vast network lies an essential role: that of the Board of Director’s Chair for a local chapter. These individuals play a pivotal part in guiding community leaders and leading their respective chapters to fulfill the organization’s mission to alleviate human suffering.

Our region’s five Chapter Board Chairs share their inspiration for joining the Red Cross below, and the critical responsibilities and significant contributions they hope to make in the community. We thank all our Board Members for their dedication, commitment and impact to ensure the Red Cross remains a beacon of hope and support when it is needed most.

To learn more about our chapters within the Northern California Coastal Region and our Board Members, visit: redcross.org/norcalcoastal

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“I am putting good vibes out into the world.” 

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by: Alex Keilty 

Photo courtesy of Mary Dorst

If you can donate it, Mary Dorst has probably given it. Hair? Check! Blood? Check! An organ? Check! 

Her latest donation was giving plasma at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Oakland, which is something she does about every six weeks. After donating Mary, 59, says, “Physically I feel fine and emotionally I feel good. I know my donation will help anyone with a need in the hospital.”  

 As a little girl in the early 1970’s Mary regularly accompanied her father when he donated blood. “I used to sit next to him while he donated. I especially liked the juice and cookies after,” she remembers.  

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