Category Archives: Homepage posts — Featured

A Childhood Dream Achieved: Ola’s Journey with Restoring Family Links 

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American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteer and Army spouse Sara Andrews, assists an Afghan guest at the Fort Bliss Doña Ana Range Complex in Chaparral, New Mexico. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

In a world where armed conflicts often divide families and disasters can tear loved ones apart, Ola Alani stands as a beacon of hope. As a Restoring Family Links (RFL) volunteer with the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region, Ola’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a childhood dream. 

Born and raised in Iraq, Ola grew up against the tumultuous backdrop of war and conflict. The Red Cross, with its reputation for compassion and assistance, had always held a special place in her heart as she had seen the emblem in action many times growing up. She had a lifelong desire to play a part in the organization. When she moved to the United States and graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 2015, her dream was finally realized when she embarked on her Red Cross journey as a volunteer. “Getting to volunteer with an organization I had highly regarded was a childhood dream come true for me!” shared Ola.  

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The lifesaving power of blood donations

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 Sarah with her son right after his surgery, which included the blood transfusions.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Montoya

For many, the prospect of donating blood comes with certain apprehensions. Most Americans who are eligible and healthy enough to donate blood choose not to do so. But Sarah Montoya from San Francisco makes a point of going out of her way to donate whenever she’s able, as she knows firsthand the lifesaving power a single blood donation contains.

Five years ago, Sarah discovered that her 10-month-old son had a Wilms tumor growing on his kidney. He was one of the 43 children who, on average, are diagnosed with cancer in America every single day.

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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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Well-Deserved Recognition After a Year of Good Work: Meet our Volunteer of the Year Award Winners

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The Volunteer of the Year Award honors individuals who best exemplify the humanitarian spirit of volunteerism.

It’s the highest honor a volunteer can achieve within our chapters, meaning that they made significant contributions to the American Red Cross over the last calendar year. These volunteers worked in multiple roles alongside fellow volunteers and staff, providing support to all lines of service. In short, they exemplify the Red Cross mission, and we are proud to share the 2022 award winners.

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An A+ for a Platelet Donor

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Long-time Oakland blood donor Jasper Smith reached a 50-gallon donation milestone

Photo courtesy of Jasper Smith

Jasper Smith is a true humanitarian: he has been a blood and platelet donor for more than 13 years. On April 20, 2023, he achieved an incredible milestone with his 50-gallon platelet donation.

When we asked who inspired him to make his first donation, he shared the memory of his friend, Chaznee Brown. “She passed away some years ago from sickle cell anemia. She was hosting a blood drive for the Blue Tag program and asked if I would consider donating. At the time I had never done a blood donation, but I was down to help,” Jasper said.

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A Transformative Experience: The Red Cross Leadership Development Center

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Photos by Albert and Virginia Becker / American Red Cross

In the heart of scenic Loma Mar’s Redwood Glen Camp, more than 120 enthusiastic and driven students from across the Bay Area gathered for a transformative experience. The American Red Cross Leadership Development Center (LDC), a four-day conference, aims to empower individuals ages 13 – 18 with essential leadership skills, disaster preparedness knowledge, lifesaving skills and the opportunity to make an impact in their communities. Packed with engaging activities, inspirational speakers and unforgettable moments, LDC always promises to be an adventure for these aspiring young Red Crossers.

Through hands-on training and simulations, delegates learned crucial techniques for emergency response, first aid and CPR. Delegates gained a deeper understanding of the Red Cross’ five lines of services and how to get involved through several interactive workshops. Regional Red Cross leadership and Board Members also joined them for a day to share what inspired them to serve with the organization and how passion for leadership can be turned into action at any age. They even had the opportunity to create a “Shark Tank” style sales pitch on the importance of donating blood, which helped instill a sense of responsibility to this lifesaving cause.

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