Author Archives: redcrossnorcalstaff

No Matter the Stage of Life, The Red Cross is There

Posted on by

By Jina Amstutz

Photo courtesy of Crystal Sims

Crystal Sims loved serving in the military. For 14 years she served as a Physical Therapist on active duty in the Army, a role that took her on a journey across the country and around the world. She would still be commissioned as an officer in the Army today if not for an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, and its subsequent treatment and recovery.

Despite going through such a difficult situation, Crystal did not stop pursuing what she loved most: when her husband was recently stationed in Monterey, CA, she found her way to serve the active-duty military population at the Presidio Clinic as a Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer.

Crystal’s training and experience in physical therapy provided expanded treatment options for the clinic’s patients. She served in the morning sick call clinic and treated patients with musculoskeletal concerns. Working alongside military and civilian staff, Crystal had the opportunity to provide guidance and mentorship, drawing from own her personal experience.

Read more

Why My Family Gives Back to the Community

Posted on by

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.

Read more

To Japan and Back

Posted on by

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.

Read more

Embarking on an Unexpected Adventure

Posted on by

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. 

Read more

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

Posted on by

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.”

Read more

Spotlight on the Region’s Chapter Board Chairs

Posted on by

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

Read more
« Older Entries Recent Entries »