Story by: Bruce Jenks, American Red Cross Volunteer Disaster Program Specialist Courtney Hill joined the American Red Cross in early 2023. In her role, she plays a critical role supporting disaster preparedness, response and recovery programs in Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Rowan, Stanly and Union County. She’s one of many employees who help our Red Cross volunteers respond to disasters in
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In Charlotte, North Carolina, there is a robust sense of pride for the U.S. armed forces and our veterans. But during the annual Battle of the Branches, a friendly competition unites the community in a very special way. “Army should win. In a landslide,” said Shakira Woodberry of Charlotte while participating in the Greater Carolinas Battle of the Branches blood
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Story by: Melissa Kaye, American Red Cross Volunteer, Eastern North Carolina Ask Montell Salary, 49, of Cary, N.C., what’s motivated him to donate blood for 30 years, 4 times a year, and he gives a simple answer: “As Ghandi once said, ‘Be the change you want to see in this world.’” But you could argue that his drive as an
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Story by: Melissa Kaye, American Red Cross Trey Jolly, a former Airborne combat veteran, regularly donates blood for the American Red Cross for one reason, and it’s not for the free t-shirts. “I’ve already got 7,000 t-shirts and mugs,” Trey jokes. Kidding aside, Trey explains that he donates for one reason: the opportunity to be selfless. “When I was in
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Platelet donors bring comfort to hospital patients and their families Valerie Ramirez is the mother of Simona and Adeline. She told the American Red Cross, she is grateful for all the donors that donated platelets, allowing her daughter Adeline to continue her fight with Leukemia. “There was a virus that was going around our house and she got very sick,”
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A Lifesaving Awards Story No one expects emergencies to happen – let alone take place during a family celebration. However, in one short moment, the unexpected can happen. In March 2022, Karen Walton was participating in a special birthday dinner with family and friends when she saw one of her family members looking distressed and wheezing at the dinner table.
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Story by: Tiffany Harris, American Red Cross Volunteer As we approach World Sickle Awareness Day on June 19, the American Red Cross continues to support initiatives to raise awareness of this chronic and painful disease. There is no known cure and there is a critical need for increased research. However, the Red Cross supports one of the most critical sickle
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May is Military Appreciation Month. Officially designated by Congress in 1999, it takes place every year throughout the entire month of May. There is a strong American Red Cross commitment to providing services to military communities. This support starts from the first-day oath is taken at enlistment thru maneuvering civilian life as a veteran. Red Cross celebrates those who serve
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National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 1-7 and each year the American Red Cross encourages people to prepare for any possible storms or disasters. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and ends November 30. However, emergency preparedness plans can be created and practiced all year long. Here are five easy steps to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season Step
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Laura Fern Jones is a an American Red Cross Youth Volunteer with the Eastern North Carolina Region. For her college essay, she shared her Red Cross volunteer experience. “As a member of the Cape Fear Red Cross Club, I have had the opportunity to work at many blood drives. I have been able to get involved in many steps in
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American Red Cross 