John Fasching: 42 Years of Lifesaving Blood Donations

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By Steve Medina, Communications Volunteer John Fasching's journey into blood donation began under the most unexpected circumstances. Decades ago, John underwent medical surgery that took a sudden and unexpected turn. Unknown to both him and his medical team, he suffered internal hemorrhaging during the procedure. It wasn't until John's blood pressure plummeted dangerously low that … Continue reading John Fasching: 42 Years of Lifesaving Blood Donations

Riders on a Mission

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From well before the dawn until just past high noon, on the Saturday before Veteran's Day, hundreds of hardy cyclists took to the streets of beautiful Ventura County for fun, camaraderie and an important humanitarian mission. Supported by scores of Red Cross volunteers, these weekend warriors cruised the local by-ways to benefit the Red Cross … Continue reading Riders on a Mission

From Evacuee to Volunteer, Kenya Deto Brings Comfort to Disaster Survivors

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By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer There's one moment that Kenya will never forget - it's the moment that inspired her to give back to the Red Cross. The "A-Rock Fire" in 1990 was an event that forever changed the course of Kenya's life. It was the second-largest fire in the history of Yosemite, and it … Continue reading From Evacuee to Volunteer, Kenya Deto Brings Comfort to Disaster Survivors

Marcos Osorio is Building a Legacy of Service

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National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We could not deliver the Red Cross mission without our many Hispanic staff, volunteers and donors. Among our dedicated Red Crossers is Marcos Osorio, a volunteer on our Communications and Latino Engagement Teams. Here … Continue reading Marcos Osorio is Building a Legacy of Service

Talking Story with Sharon Shou

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By Anna Kumor, Communications Volunteer Sharon Shou, has served as an American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer and has deployed to disasters six times, including two this year. Sharon played a role in the Cultural Awareness pre-deployment training of disaster responders heading to Guam after Typhoon Mawar struck this summer and also deployed to … Continue reading Talking Story with Sharon Shou

Meet Janessa, a Champion of Preparedness and Community

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This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Cross volunteers who give their time and talent to our mission. Volunteers like Janessa Paez, who are driven with passion to serve others. Janessa is on a mission to promote preparedness education and is committed to building a safer and more resilient community for … Continue reading Meet Janessa, a Champion of Preparedness and Community

Red Cross Volunteer’s Impact Exemplifies Preparedness and Dedication

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By Jordan Sherwood, Communications Volunteer Steve Medina first got involved with the American Red Cross mission as a platelet donor. Since 2018, he regularly makes a commitment to donate platelets more than a dozen times a year. “I have many reasons to donate platelets," shared Steve. "Losing friends and family to this deadly disease of … Continue reading Red Cross Volunteer’s Impact Exemplifies Preparedness and Dedication

Siana-Lea Gildard on Embracing her Heritage and Advocating for Others

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Siana's dedication to inclusivity, preparedness and community service represents the Red Cross's mission to alleviate suffering and create a more compassionate world. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, emphasizing the importance of embracing heritage and fostering diversity in our shared humanitarian efforts.

When times get tough, blood donors step up

Posted on by redcrosscentralcalifornia

The American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage on Sept. 11, citing a critically low blood supply level that dropped nearly 25% since early August. Since the plea for more blood donors went out, the Red Cross has seen an increase in donations and is thankful to everyone who has rolled up a sleeve … Continue reading When times get tough, blood donors step up

Diana Manzo-Prado is Bridging Communities Together for a More Resilient Future

Posted on by redcrosscentralcalifornia

This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Crossers who give their time and talent to our mission. Employees like Diana Manzo-Prado are driven with passion to serve their community. Diana recently sat down with us to share about her culture, what it means to her and how it has impacted her work with the Red Cross.