Tag Archives: Disaster Response

Bringing Comfort and Hope Through Spiritual Care from the American Red Cross 

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Reflections by Cindy Huge, American Red Cross Volunteer

I frequently think of you, Isaiah*, and feel grateful that our paths crossed.

On the evening of October 9, 2024, you were sitting alone on a cot in a hallway, with just one small bag holding the few belongings you had left. The shelter, filled with nearly 500 people displaced by Hurricane Milton, was too noisy for you to sleep. The Category 3 hurricane had just made landfall on Siesta Key, Florida.

I approached you, introduced myself, and invited you to have lunch with me. That simple invitation became the beginning of a meaningful connection.

American Red Cross volunteer Cindy Huge. Photo courtesy of Cindy Huge.
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A Community United after Tragedy in Oakland 

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Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee visited the Oakland shelter to meet those affected by the fire. Photographer: Chris Raponi | American Red Cross

By: Carolina Dratva, American Red Cross Volunteer

When I arrived at a shelter in Oakland, Calif., set up in the wake of a devastating apartment fire, I immediately noticed a young girl. She was no older than 13 and was caring for her six-month-old sister, the youngest resident in the shelter. I could only imagine the fear and uncertainty they must have experienced after being forced to evacuate a fire so severe that it left approximately 70 people displaced and sent four people to the hospital.

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National Award Recognizes Local Disaster Responder 

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By Alex Keilty, American Red Cross Volunteer 

How does one American Red Cross award recipient know her volunteer work is helping people?

Jody loading up a trunk with free smoke alarms

“It’s the look of relief when someone realizes they have a safe place to go, when a family gets the help they need to take their next step, or when someone who has lost so much realizes they aren’t facing it alone,” Red Cross Volunteer Jody Kimbrel says. Jody has seen that relieved expression on people’s faces countless times while responding to 70 major disasters, including Hurricane Helene and wildfires in Maui and California.

In recognition of her efforts, Jody was awarded the Bob Hassmiller Excellence in Disaster Services Award in Washington, D.C. in April this year. This national level award celebrates a volunteer who has made a significant, positive impact on the American Red Cross, the community and the people we serve in the areas of disaster preparedness, response, or recovery.

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In the Wake of a Devastating Fire, A Furry Friend Brings Hope and Comfort

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By: Julie Uiterwijk, American Red Cross volunteer  

When Sam Cisneros and Natalie Shimizu adopted Nori, they had no idea how much they would need her.  

The couple brought Nori home about a week before a massive six-alarm fire destroyed their Foster City, Calif. condominium on August 2. The fire severely damaged the Spinnaker Cove complex, displacing more than 150 residents and leaving Sam and Natalie among the many people suddenly without a home or most of their belongings.  

Natalie and Sam with their rescue dog, Nori.  

Soon after the fire, the American Red Cross set up a Local Assistance Center in Foster City to connect families affected by the fire with local resources. Sam and Natalie benefited from the partners and community members who offered support, including the Peninsula Humane Society where they had adopted Nori before the fire.   

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Firefighter, EMT and First Aid Trainer: Saving Lives Through the Years

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By: AnnMarie Kornele, American Red Cross Volunteer 

His father is a firefighter, his mother is a nurse, and his brother worked both as a firefighter and a nurse. You could say that saving lives runs in Steven Bradley’s family. So it’s no surprise that Steven himself has had a long career as a life saver.

Steven is a second-generation firefighter from Fresno, Calif. Growing up in a family with a strong background in public service inspired him to pursue a career in firefighting. After graduating high school, Steven attended the Fresno Fire Academy and worked as an EMT before becoming a firefighter. He got his first job at the Madera County Fire Department working several years before relocating to San Diego with his wife, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer, after she received her first duty station there. While she worked as a CHP officer, Steven worked for the San Diego Rural Fire Department.

Whether as a firefighter, EMT or Red Cross instructor, Steven is always helping people in their time of need.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Steven’s wife was injured from being hit by a drunk driver while on duty, forcing her to end her career with the CHP early.

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9/11 Anniversary: After Decades of Deployments, One Experience Shaped Them All

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By: Jill Feldon, American Red Cross volunteer

Diane St. Denis has deployed more than 30 times over 31 years with the American Red Cross, helping people in the aftermath of terrible floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires across the country. But nothing affected her more than her volunteer experience at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

“It was really the first time I truly understood that what we do makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Diane.

Diane St. Denis has worked as a nurse and volunteered with the American Red Cross for more than 30 years, helping people following disasters of all kinds. But she said she never understood the difference she makes with the Red Cross until her experience after 9/11.
Diane St. Denis has worked as a nurse and volunteered with the American Red Cross for more than 30 years, helping people following disasters of all kinds. But she said she never understood the difference she makes until her Red Cross experience after 9/11.

Twenty-five years ago today, the American Red Cross responded to the tragedy by helping people around the country and the world. More than $1.1 billion in generous donations were used to fund massive relief and recovery efforts and help more than 59,000 families affected by the terrorist attacks. The Red Cross held blood donation drives, served millions of meals and snacks, opened dozens of shelters for people who were left stranded and connected countless people to emotional support and health services. It was one of the largest disaster responses in history – made possible thanks to volunteers like Diane.

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