Mickie Mohs- Red Cross Volunteer. Submitted photo.
In 1997, as the dikes broke in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and water flowed across the town and inside homes, people like Mickie Mohs had to flee.
“We ended up leaving during the night about midnight because the water started coming up the street and we didn’t want to be stuck there with our son in a wheelchair and not be able to get out.”
In her view, they ‘got lucky’ because the water stopped short of flooding their entire home. The basement was lost, and the family spent days emptying and mucking it out in the freezing cold of April.
“Well, the cool thing is, and I’ll cry because I cry every damn time, we were cleaning and I looked up the street because I heard something, and it was very quiet in those days because we got in fairly early, and the Red Cross truck was coming down the street.”
Red Cross truck outside home of Mickie Mohs in Grand Forks, 1997. Submitted photo.
The truck carried meals to people in the neighborhood where most were too busy to think much about what or where they could eat. Mickie asked the relief team how much money they wanted for the food, especially because she needed meals for family members and neighbors who were helping them.
“I’m like, I’m going to have to find some cash. And they’re like, no, this is all free. So, we’re all crying because these people are feeding us warm food and we’re so excited and it was good.”
The truck returned over the coming days. The experience stuck with Mickie. She made a promise to herself. “I always said, someday I’m going to drive the truck and I’m going to go feed somebody else who needs that.”
And she did. It took a long time. In fact, decades went by. Her husband and son passed. And yet the promise to herself remained and after finding new love and retiring she fulfilled it in 2024 when she drove a Red Cross truck to help people affected by Hurricane Helene in the southern states.
Now, learning how to drive the truck and everything that comes with it took some training, but once completed it was more a matter of resolve that helped Mickie turn the ignition key and hit the road when the call to help came.
“I sat and sat and asked – is it time? Is this a good thing for me to go? I decided, yeah, I’ve got two weeks right now. This will work. This is what I want to do.”
Mickie Mohs supporting Hurricane Helene relief in 2024. Submitted photo.
Red Cross relief trucks operate in teams of two. Mickie picked up her teammate in Minneapolis and the pair rolled on to North Carolina and Georgia, where they worked long days loading and delivering supper mostly for people gathering at community centers. In one case, the local partner asked Mickie to back in the truck.
“I’m like, I don’t back up. I don’t back up. He says, ’Yes you can Mickie,’ in his southern accent. And so, yes, I backed up. It was fine. And by the end, I was backing in like a champ.”
Being on the delivery side of disaster relief deepened Mickie’s understanding of the impact. It was, she says, about a whole lot more. “You offer hope. And acknowledge that somebody cares, and they’re not going through it alone. It’s not, you know, it’s not just food.”
Story by Lynette Nyman – Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. Learn more and get involved at RedCross.org/MNDAKS.
Madelyn recalls dyeing her hair purple a few days before starting treatment. It was a way of taking back control before chemotherapy, a flash of color and courage before everything changed. A few months before beginning her junior year at Watertown-Mayer High School, she was learning words no teenager expects to learn – port, infusion, transfusion.
Madelyn, in the hospital with her vibrant purple hair — a bold choice before starting chemo, reclaiming a bit of control in a time when so much felt uncertain. (Photo submitted)
Just four days after her 16th birthday, she started treatment. While other teenagers were focusing on getting their driver’s license, she was looking forward to finishing chemotherapy that October. Soon it was homework and hospital visits, all during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Madelyn benefitted from donated blood to get through her chemotherapy.
“Getting transfusions were incredibly beneficial for my treatment. The energy was back, and I could feel more like myself again.”
Madelyn beams as she holds a sign celebrating a milestone hard-earned through courage, resilience, and hope. (Photo submitted)
Looking back, she says it feels surreal to realize how far she’s come since then. Recently, she reached a milestone she once only hoped for – five years cancer-free.
Now a senior theater major at the University of Minnesota, Madelyn carries that experience with quiet strength and a clear sense of purpose. She’s using her story to encourage others through the Abbott and the Big Ten’s “We Give Blood” competition, a friendly way for universities to inspire more students to donate. At the University of Minnesota Red Cross Blood Drive, Madelyn had fun with “Buddy the Blood Drop” and inspired classmates to donate more than 100 units of lifesaving blood. And this December, right in the middle of finals week, she’s hosting her own blood drive on campus. It’s already almost full.
Madelyn smiles alongside Buddy the Blood Drop at the University of Minnesota’s 2025 Homecoming Blood Drive — giving back to the community that once helped her through her own journey. (Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest, American Red Cross)
Madelyn is more than a survivor – she’s an artist, a leader and a voice in the community. Between rehearsals and classes, she still makes time to volunteer and share her story. What drives her is connection, that deep sense of community that helped her heal and keeps her giving back. “For me, that’s a big driving factor in any work I do,” she says. “So many people have been there for me, and community is important, creating community in any way we can is important.”
Madelyn and her friend Rachel smile for a quick photo in their Gopher maroon & gold. Between classes and campus life, Madelyn still finds time to advocate for blood donation, encouraging others to give the gift that once helped save her life. (Photo: Submitted)
She knows firsthand that every donation matters. “There are probably patients who didn’t get it in time,” she says. “Giving blood is a method of creating community, and I don’t know that it’s always seen as that, but I think it’s a really important way of doing something that helps people.”
That understanding drives her advocacy for blood donation among her peers. She sees it not as an act of charity, but one of connection, something that takes less than an hour and can change a life.
Madelyn is determined to create community by raising awareness and closing the gap in blood donation. By sharing her story, she’s inspiring change — one student, one act of generosity at a time. (Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest, American Red Cross)
Every day, patients across the U.S. rely on blood and platelet donors to survive – yet only about 3 percent of eligible people donate blood each year. Madelyn is determined to change that. By sharing her story, she hopes to close that gap – one student, one act of generosity at a time.
“Creating community matters,” she says. “And this is a simple way to do it.”
Roll up a sleeve to donate and help change a life, like Madelyn’s.
Madelyn shared her inspiring story on WCCO-TV Sunday Morning – view here.
If you’re like Sean and new to the upper Midwest, you might be wondering what winter is really like. Spoiler alert: it’s not all cozy snow days! Around here, a snowstorm can feel like just another Tuesday. That’s why it’s important to prepare before the cold sets in—because winter can stick around well into spring.
Sean Kelly, our Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist in North Dakota, moved from Virginia this past July. He says, “I’m prepared for most things, but having never experienced -40° with wind chill, I’ve been wondering—how cold is that?”
The truth? It’s cold enough to make your eyelashes freeze! For newcomers, the sudden drop in temperatures and heavy snow can be a shock. Snowstorms can lead to power outages or dangerous road conditions.
As Sean asks, “I know I can call emergency services, but how long do you need to survive in your car?” Hey Sean, below are some tips to help you and everyone stay safe and comfortable this winter!
Car Survival Kit Add these essentials to your regular car kit: • Snow brush and ice scraper • Warm boots and clothing • Blanket or sleeping bag • Hand and foot warmers • Shovel, sand or kitty litter • Phone charger and jumper cables • Snack bars • Flares and safety vests (especially helpful in a whiteout!)
Find Warming Shelters Know where to go if the cold becomes dangerous. Some cities, like Fargo, operate warming shelters, while others partner with local organizations. Check your city and county resources before the bitter cold hits—especially if you plan to travel.
Dress for the Weather On the worst days, avoid travel if you can. If you must go out, cover your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes with warm, dry clothing. These areas are most at risk for frostbite.
Get More Tips Download the free American Red Cross Emergency App for additional preparedness advice.
Whether you’re a winter rookie or a seasoned pro, a little preparation goes a long way. With the right gear and planning, you can turn the upper Midwest’s extreme cold into a true winter wonderland!
Post written with support from Jana Humphreys, a Communications Volunteer with our Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross region!
Shylo Stevens received an urgent phone call in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 26, after a fire broke out on the 12th floor of Skyline Tower, a high-rise apartment complex in St. Paul, Minn. It was, she quickly learned, an all-hands response to help the residents.
Shylo Stevens with CommonBond talks with a Red Cross volunteer. Photo: Nate Russell/American Red Cross
“At first, I wasn’t really knowing what I was walking into,” says Shylo. “It was a lot of trying to figure out what had happened. What were the top priorities for our residents as we work through this?”
Shylo is a community program manager for CommonBond, an affordable housing nonprofit that manages the Skyline Tower apartments. With so many residents displaced, Skyline Tower residents needed to be temporarily housed in close to a dozen different hotels across the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area.
“It was getting them into hotels, figuring out who needs the police or fire department to bring them down if they had mobility difficulties and couldn’t come down on their own, as our elevators were out. With all that support, we were able to fully evacuate the building.”
Red Cross volunteers fill grocery packages for Skyline Tower residents displaced from Skyline Tower in St. Paul, Minn. Photo: Nate Russell/American Red Cross
Skyline Tower’s resident population is made up of about 1,500 individuals and families, many that migrated from other countries, the majority from Somalia. They’re tightly knit, says Shylo. “The sense of community I got that night, I can’t even explain. Just so many people coming in to assist left and right through this crisis, it was really beautiful to see.”
With so many residents displaced across close to a dozen Minneapolis–St. Paul hotels, some rooms had kitchenettes while others did not.
To support food relief for people with kitchenettes, Red Cross volunteers assembled more than 150 grocery care packages that contained weekly staples, such as rice, onions, bullion, and more, based on input from residents and local faith-based experts. And for those without kitchenettes, the Red Cross partnered with local restaurants, such as Afro Deli and Grill, to provide nutritious and comforting hot meals from a kitchen that residents trust.
Red Cross volunteers pick up hot meals from Afro Deli & Grill. Photo: Nate Russell/American Red Cross
Many people in the Skyline Tower community are of the Muslim faith and have strict halal dietary restrictions. To help meet the need, the Red Cross shifted early from the typical feeding approach used on many disaster responses to one tailored specifically to this community. The help, Shylo says, has been amazing.
“You know, here, soon it will be Thanksgiving, and you have to feed your family a meal. Now imagine trying to feed 1,500 people. You have residents who like certain things that others don’t, and many who choose their meals strictly based on their religious practices. There are certain things that they simply cannot eat, and it’s not because they choose not to, it’s their beliefs, their morals, and their values.”
Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States, with the majority residing in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. The relationships formed during this response will help the Red Cross better address community needs during future disasters.
In addition to food relief, Red Cross volunteers have facilitated relationships between CommonBond and other disaster response partners.
“One of the things that the Red Cross has been very helpful with is the connection with Ramsey County workers – they’ve been on site at the hotels working with the residents to make sure they have paperwork, their Medicaid, their insurance, so they’re kind of taking that off of our plate, so that residents aren’t missing that gap period during this time,” says Shylo.
A Red Cross volunteer views damaged apartment units with a repair worker at Skyline Tower, St. Paul, Minn. Photo: Nate Russell/American Red Cross
Around half of the displaced residents returned home at the end of October. The remaining displaced residents await building repairs. Red Cross teams will continue to work alongside CommonBond as people continue to recover from this disaster.
Story and photos by Nate Russell/American Red Cross Volunteer
On Friday mornings, Curt Ghylin gets many steps in during his morning volunteer shift at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The steps add up to around four miles. “I feel pretty lucky,” says Curt, who is 87 years old.
He racks up the steps while he pushes patient after patient in wheelchair after wheelchair going from x-ray to lab to cardiology or other appointments. Established in 1923 for World War I veterans, the medical center is a sprawling complex on the National Register of Historic Places.
Curt has walked its halls for twenty-two years while serving as an American Red Cross volunteer supporting veterans who served in more recent armed conflicts. His role places him at the hub in Building One. Patient assignments arrive at the main entrance or on the house phone.
“Front desk, this is Curt. Can I help you?” he says when answering a call. The assignment will take around 30 minutes. At the pick-up point, “We’ve got the right guy,” he says, and takes the handles of a regular patient’s wheelchair and starts the journey.
“He’s got good legs,” says the patient when asked to describe Curt and his help for someone who’s just a couple several years older. “Good people here,” the patient adds.
You could call Curt good people or simply a veteran helping veterans. In the 1950s, he served with the North Dakota National Guard and then in the 1960s with the U.S. Air Force as a “crypto operator,” which supports information intelligence. His stations included Libya, Wyoming, Nebraska and Louisiana. After leaving the military, he became a teacher and then flourished as a computer programmer in Minnesota.
He retired in 2003, and he looked for places to volunteer. A church friend and Red Crosser recommended reaching out to the VA. He did and folks there agreed: Curt would be a great Red Cross rep. Since then, the steps haven’t stopped – from supporting people in their adult day care program to his current role as a greeter and escort, Curt has put in his miles.
“He needs a wheelchair? Big guy? Little guy?” Curt asks when the phone rings again. Curt tends to that request and returns to the desk. A man with striking white hair ambles up. “Thanks for your help this morning. Ninety-two years old. It happens fast,” he tells Curt. The two share a warm moment in a place where people make friends.
When the volunteer shift change happens, his replacement stops by and asks about Curt’s fall. A few weeks ago it landed him face down on the pavement while with his running group that’s now slowed to a stroll. He shows a photo of his broken nose. New to everyone is a scruff of beard covering his stitches and scars.
As soon as possible after the accident, he got back to his volunteer work at the VA and other community organizations in the St. Cloud area. “It’s important and there aren’t enough people doing it,” he says. “I was born to worry about somebody else.”
A bonus for Red Cross and those we serve: Curt is a regular blood donor who recently reached a 23-gallon milestone.
Story by Lynette Nyman with the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. To learn more about regional Service to the Armed Forces programs, please RedCross.org/MNDAKS.
When a fire and power outage forced more than a thousand residents from Skyline Tower in St. Paul on October 25–26, the American Red Cross moved quickly to help. Within hours, volunteers were working alongside the City of St. Paul, CommonBond Communities, The Salvation Army, and other partners to make sure everyone had a safe place to stay, warm meals to eat, and someone to turn to for comfort and care.
Local Red Cross volunteers Todd Johnson and Marilyn Birk serve meals to families impacted by the fire and power outage at Skyline Tower in St. Paul, Minn. Photo: Nate Russell/American Red Cross.
Every day since, responders have been connecting with residents as they recover across the Twin Cities, offering meals, listening to concerns, and finding ways to meet each person’s needs with dignity. Behind the scenes, volunteers have coordinated food deliveries, managed logistics, and worked hand in hand with community partners to keep things running smoothly.
More than 70 trained Red Cross responders, most of them volunteers from across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have come together to support this response, each bringing compassion, skill, and heart to the work.
“We know the people need the help, and the Red Cross has the partnerships and the means to be able to provide that,” said Todd Johnson, a volunteer helping provide meals. So far, Red Cross teams have provided more than 4,100 (as of 11/3) warm meals and thousands of snacks with help from The Salvation Army and local partners. “This is the heart of what we do.”
Jeff Thelen and Matt Bellin, two of more than 70 Red Cross responders, help unload food to be served to residents affected by the Skyline Tower fire and power outage. Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross.
Health and mental health volunteers are helping replace lost prescriptions, check on medical concerns, and offer a listening ear. “A lot of our services revolve around helping them with that first small step. It might be just someone to help them get their medications replaced and that’s one less thing for them to have to worry about,” said Rick Larkin, who is leading Disaster Health Services. “But we also have disaster mental health volunteers, because this is super stressful for people. It’s a friendly ear; it’s a reassurance that recovery will begin soon.”
The Red Cross continues to work closely with cultural and community organizations to ensure services honor the diverse languages, traditions, and nourishment needs of Skyline Tower residents. Every act of kindness, whether it’s a shared meal, a gentle conversation, or a moment of rest, reflects the spirit of partnership that has defined this response.
“This is one of the largest responses our region has supported,” said Brice Johnson, CEO for the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “But more than that, it’s a reminder of what can happen when neighbors come together to care for one another.”
As parts of Skyline Tower reopen, residents are beginning to return home. “We’ll be here,” said Johnson. “In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll stand alongside residents, helping meet immediate needs, supporting them as they rebuild a sense of stability, and offering resources and reassurance that things will get better.”
How You Can Help
Support Disaster Relief. Every day, disasters like this remind us how quickly life can change and how powerful compassion can be. The Red Cross helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies large and small.
You can make a difference. Visit RedCross.org ,call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a financial donation.
An average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend goes toward providing care and comfort for those in need.
Put on a red vest and join us. Visit RedCross.org/GiveTime to learn how you can support your community. For disasters big and small, Red Cross volunteers provide comfort on what can be the hardest days of people’s lives.
Amy Slater’s journey as a blood donor began two years ago, sparked by a deeply personal experience: her four-year-old nephew, Ryker, was diagnosed with leukemia. Watching him go through treatment, she quickly realized that blood donation isn’t just a kind gesture — it’s a lifeline.
“Ryker needed multiple transfusions throughout his treatment just to have the strength to keep fighting,” Amy recalls. “That changed everything for me. I saw firsthand how critical donated blood was to his recovery.”
Amy stands strong beside her nephew Ryker, who is bravely battling leukemia. Picture submitted.
Since that moment, Amy has become a passionate advocate for blood donation. At Federated Insurance, where she works, she actively supports the company’s blood drives, held three times a year. She never misses a chance to donate — and always encourages her coworkers to join her.
“It only takes a little bit of your time, and it’s absolutely worth it,” she says. “The staff are so kind and professional — they make the whole experience smooth and meaningful.”
Amy proudly donates blood in support of her brave nephew, Ryker, who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Her donation is one small way to help him in his courageous fight. Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross
Though Ryker is now cancer-free, his journey left a lasting impact on the entire family. “I had never donated blood before his diagnosis,” Amy shares. “But once I saw the difference it made in someone I love, I knew I had to keep going.”
As a mother of two, Amy feels the importance of donation even more deeply. “I can’t imagine being told one of my own kids had cancer — and then finding out there might not be blood available,” she says. “That’s why I donate. That’s why I keep encouraging others to step up.”
Alissa donates blood for the first time in honor of her son Ryker. Right by her side is her stepmom Kim, offering love, support, and a whole lot of encouragement. Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross
At this year’s Rock ‘N Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive in Mankato, Amy’s dedication became a family affair. She was joined by her sister and Ryker’s mother, Alissa, and their father and stepmother, Tim and Kim — all eager to give back. For Alissa, it was her very first-time donating blood.
Alissa donates blood for the first time, inspired by her son Ryker’s leukemia treatment. A little nervous at first, she’s all smiles, proud to give back in such a meaningful way. Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross
“I was a little nervous at first,” Alissa admits. “But it was easier than I expected. After seeing Ryker receive blood during his treatment, I knew I could do it and I’m so glad I did — having my family there made it even more meaningful.”
Their motivation runs deep. Ryker is nearing the end of his treatment. On September 18, he’ll receive his final dose of liquid chemotherapy — a powerful milestone for a resilient little boy and a hopeful family.
“I truly believe every blood donor is a blessing. If you can donate, just do it. You could be helping save someone’s life — it made a lifesaving difference for Ryker.”
Amy, Alissa, Tim, and Kim proudly show off their PEANUTS Snoopy T-shirts after donating blood — all Because of Ryker. This family’s lifesaving commitment is a powerful tribute to the brave little boy at the heart of it all. Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross
Stories like this remind us that donating blood is a testament to the power of family, community, compassion, and the courage it takes to care.
You can help save lives, too. Eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
We are deeply saddened to share that Peg passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Her unwavering dedication and years of service to the Red Cross left an indelible mark on our organization and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. As we remember Peg, we honor the incredible legacy she leaves behind – a legacy built on compassion, commitment, and a true passion for helping others.
For six decades, Peg Schaefer from Rochester, Minnesota, has embodied the spirit of the American Red Cross. Her remarkable journey of service has taken her across the globe, working at blood drives, responding to disasters, providing comfort and making a lasting impact on communities in need.
Peg, photographed in Byron, Minnesota (May 2025), ahead of an Employee Recognition Event, reflecting on her 60 years of service with the Red Cross. Photo submitted.
Beginning as a volunteer, Peg transitioned into staff roles, only to return to volunteering, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the Red Cross mission. From earthquakes to tornados, typhoons to hurricanes, forest fires to floods, Peg has been there – comforting, supporting, and serving. Her dedication has taken her from Saipan to Alaska, from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, and across the mainland U.S., with every stop adding a chapter to her extraordinary story.
In February, Peg celebrated her 90th birthday. In addition to this milestone, there was a beautiful reason to celebrate: almost 60 years of Red Cross service. Officially, she will reach the 60-year milestone in January 2026, but as Peg jokes, “They don’t have a pin for 59 and a half years, so we just rounded it up and had a 60th celebration.”
Peg and Melanie Tschida, executive director of the Red Cross of Southern Minnesota, share a joyful moment celebrating Peggy’s 90th birthday and 60 years of service to the American Red Cross – a beautiful day filled with stories, laughter, and lasting friendships. Photo submitted.
Peg’s journey with the Red Cross began in 1966 while living in Alaska, where her husband was stationed with the military. At the time, the Red Cross was one of the “approved” ways for military wives to give back and it quickly became a perfect fit. Encouraged by an officer’s wife to get involved, Peg began volunteering at Bassett Army Hospital in Fort Wainwright.
Just a year later, in August 1967, a devastating flood hit Fairbanks, and hospital volunteers like Peg were asked to step in. “Would you be willing to do casework?” someone asked. “Sure!” Peg responded with enthusiasm. She vividly recalls the whirlwind of activity: “It was a zoo! Back then, we used adding machines,” she says with a laugh. “I’d take a long slip of itemized expenses to my supervisor so they could issue a check for the essentials people needed.”
Over the following years, Peg became the go-to person for anything Red Cross-related in her community. “That’s how it is in a small town,” she explained. “The Red Cross wasn’t in the phone book, so people who saw me at blood drives or knew me as a military wife would just call me directly. We always found a way to make it work.”
In 1984, Peg went on her first disaster assignment outside of her home chapter to help respond to flooding in Kentucky. That was just the beginning of many more to come.
Peg captured during a lighthearted moment while responding to floods in the Quad Cities — her experience along the Mississippi earned her the title “Queen of the Mississippi,” complete with crown and royal regalia! Photo submitted.
The Red Cross became a second family to Peg. “Even though she was away from us,” her daughter Sherri Demos shared, “we knew she was with her other family.” Peg echoed that sentiment: “I was never with strangers. There were always familiar faces – people I’d worked with before. We’d just pick up right where we left off, like no time had passed.”
After transitioning from volunteer to employee in 1989, her day-to-day work focused on visiting chapters across the Midwest, teaching classes, and evaluating disaster preparedness plans to help them get ready for emergencies they hoped would never come.
Peg working in her office at the Red Cross Dane County Chapter, Madison, Wisconsin. Photo submitted.
Peg quickly earned a reputation for her no-nonsense approach – she didn’t accept excuses and firmly believed that all members of the community must be included in the planning process, “because everyone deserves a helping hand.” More than once, Red Cross staff thanked her for pushing them to do the hard work upfront – “those detailed plans proved invaluable when disaster did strike their communities,” she says.
Peg credits her social work degree with helping her navigate disasters and support people during their most difficult moments. “Sometimes it’s tough to take,” she reflects, “but I think of the families and their needs.”
Peg deployed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to support tornado response efforts in December 2000. Photo submitted.
One of her most meaningful memories was being deployed during the holidays in Alabama. Wanting to create some holiday cheer, she and other volunteers went to Walmart and bought the last Christmas tree available — a humble “Charlie Brown” tree – and a few ornaments. Back at their headquarters, she and her fellow volunteers decorated with whatever they had to make it festive for all who were away from home.
During the December tornado response in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Peg was interviewed by CNN, offering insight from the front lines of disaster relief. On Christmas Day, she led an interfaith moment of reflection, inviting everyone to “silently ask for blessings in your own traditions,” as Red Cross staff paused to celebrate with food, music, and community in the midst of their tireless efforts. Photos submitted.
Since restaurants were set to be closed on Christmas Day, Peg asked the Mass Care team to find one that could prepare a holiday meal in advance. They located a restaurant willing to provide a traditional Christmas dinner – complete with three kinds of pie – for just $5 per person. The only requirement was that the meals be picked up early in the afternoon on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Day, she and her team – Red Cross volunteers, FEMA staff, and volunteers from partner organizations – warmed each meal one by one in the microwave. “It was the most moving holiday I’ve ever had,” she recalls. “And also one of the funniest,” she adds with a smile. “Some of the volunteers rewrote ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ with things every volunteer wishes for on deployment – like their own rental car. We couldn’t stop laughing.”
Over the years, Peg has witnessed countless changes in how the Red Cross operates, but her commitment has never wavered – even after retiring in 2011. “It’s in my blood,” she says. And true to her word, she continues to volunteer whenever she can: welcoming blood donors, teaching families about fire safety, and helping to recruit the next generation of volunteers. Though Peg admits, “I still have the urge to pack my suitcase,” she concedes that she no longer has the physical stamina for deployments. Still, her heart remains with the mission.
Her daughter Sherri adds, “Don’t underestimate my mom – she may be little, but she’s mighty. She’s a national treasure.”
Sherri shares an embrace with her mother Peg. “Don’t underestimate my mom,” Sherri says. “She may be small, but she’s mighty — a true national treasure.” Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross.
As Peg reflects on her 60 years of service, she effortlessly fills the conversation with stories of the people she’s met and the lifelong friendships she’s formed along the way. Her memories are rich and vivid, but what shines through the most is her conviction that it was never about her. For Peg, it was always a team effort – people coming together, each doing their part to make a difference.
What began in 1966, when a general’s wife encouraged her to volunteer with the Red Cross, blossomed into a lifetime of service. “It’s what I believe in – the mission and principles,” Peg says simply.
Thank you, Peg Schaefer, for your deep and enduring commitment to the American Red Cross. Your service has left a lasting legacy of compassion, resilience, and hope. You truly are a national treasure.
Slideshow of additional photos of Peg through the years:
When Makayla Anderson first applied to volunteer with the Red Cross, she was 14 years old, shy, and just starting high school. A phone call with a Volunteer Services screener turned into a life-shaping conversation—one that set her on a path she never expected. “I wasn’t sure I could help because of my age and little experience,” Makayla recalls. “But he said, ‘I believe in you and you will go far.’ That moment meant everything.”
And go far, she has.
Over the last four years, Makayla has become a driving force in youth engagement with the Red Cross—founding a club at her virtual high school, starting the region’s Youth and Young Adult Council (YAYAC), and stepping into national roles including her current position as a Youth Action Campaign (YAC) Intern with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) team. Along the way, she’s brought creativity, courage, and compassion into everything she does.
Makayla pictured with fellow members of the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakota’s Youth and Young Adult Council (YAYAC). Pictured left to right: Erik, Jay, Joel, Makayla, Shaivi and Alan (not pictured Nuna and Dawson). Photo submitted.
Finding Her Voice Through Service
Makayla’s journey began with behind-the-scenes support in Volunteer Services—working in Volunteer Connection and helping screen new volunteers. She gradually took on more responsibility, eventually creating her own Red Cross club at school and joining the IHL Youth Action Campaign. That’s when things clicked.
“I never thought I was really interested in law,” she says. “But hearing from speakers at the national YAC Summit and working 1-on-1 with Red Cross staff opened my eyes to a new way of leadership.”
It was also where she learned how to blend purpose and creativity—skills that came to life in her standout YAC project: a virtual art show on the theme of nuclear conflict. As a lifelong artist, Makayla leaned into her passions and invited others to explore difficult topics through visual expression. The show reached across the globe—from Minnesota to Dubai—and included an educational presentation on IHL and the role of art in activism.
Makayla’s engagement on social media plays a key role in promoting the activities and programs of the region’s Youth and Young Adult Council (YAYAC).
Creating Change, One Youth at a Time
After seeing the difference youth leaders were making in other regions, Makayla realized her own region was missing a critical piece: a strong network for youth engagement. Rather than waiting for someone else to fill that gap, she helped build the Minnesota and Dakotas Youth and Young Adult Council (YAYAC) from the ground up.
“I don’t think it has too much to do with how confident you are with yourself,” she reflects. “It’s about your ability to take action and how well you understand the steps it takes. If you care enough about something, you just start eating it a bite at a time.”
She’s now leading the council with big goals: to grow awareness, host engaging events, and make sure the youth voice is part of Red Cross decisions across departments.
Wisdom Beyond Her Years
Makayla has also faced her share of challenges—especially working in adult-dominated spaces. “The biggest thing to remember is to listen and learn,” she says. “You don’t need to be the loudest in the room to make an impact.”
She’s found guidance in mentors like Mark Giammona, Ashley Sheehy, and Tracy Elder, and credits them with shaping both her leadership style and her vision for the future. “I’m a Nursing Assistant now,” she says, “but I have high hopes of getting a job with the Red Cross in IHL one day. This work brings me a sense of fulfillment I haven’t found anywhere else.”
Makayla pictured with one of her mentors Mark Giammona, Volunteer Engagement for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, whose guidance has helped shape her leadership style and inspired her vision for the future
Fueling Her Fire
While much of her free time goes toward volunteering, Makayla still makes time for creative pursuits. She’s a published poet and an avid dog walker, often spotted strolling around town with her pups. “This is my fun!” she laughs.
And when it comes to advice for other youth thinking about getting involved, her message is clear:
“Find your passion, run toward it, and don’t take no for an answer. There will be slammed doors and setbacks but remember who you are and why you started.”
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Nolan arrived 2.5 weeks early, a healthy, 8-pound, 10-ounce baby boy. But within hours, the joy of his birth turned to fear. His mother, Sara Jutz, sensed something wasn’t right. Together with her husband, Joe, they pushed for closer observation. Trusting their instincts and speaking up made all the difference, that decision ultimately saved Nolan’s life.
Newborn Nolan made an early entrance, arriving 2.5 weeks ahead of schedule and weighing in at a healthy 8 pounds, 10 ounces. Photo submitted.
Doctors diagnosed Nolan with a serious congenital heart defect: a coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of one of the heart’s main arteries. Just 10 hours after birth, he was rushed by ambulance to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. At only four days old, Nolan underwent his first major surgery. Surgeons accessed his heart through his back and used a Gore-Tex (synthetic) patch to widen the narrowed artery. During that operation, Nolan received his first blood transfusion, one of many he would need. That donated blood played a critical role in saving his life.
Nolan recovered quickly and was able to go home on his ninth day of life. As he grew, his spirited personality and big heart, both literally and figuratively, became his trademarks. At age six, he underwent a second procedure. Since the synthetic patch placed earlier couldn’t grow with him, doctors used a balloon catheter to stretch it and improve blood flow. The minimally invasive procedure was a success, and Nolan bounced back to his usual self within days.
By the time he was 11, Nolan was thriving. Though he saw his cardiologist regularly and understood he’d never “outgrow” his condition, that never held him back. Active, strong, and fiercely determined, Nolan proudly embraced life as a heart warrior. He even led his elementary school in fundraising for the American Heart Association, raising more money than anyone else.
Nolan, Eli, and Katelyn were each born with different heart defects. Only Nolan needed surgery, but their resilience unites them. Photo submitted.
His journey is made even more remarkable by his family’s story. Nolan’s two younger siblings were also born with congenital heart defects, each different, each unique. While Nolan required surgeries, his siblings have not needed medical interventions. Doctors remain unsure why all three children were affected, but what is clear is the strength and resilience of the family.
The Jutz family has long been dedicated to supporting their community, but Nolan’s experiences ignited a deeper sense of purpose: a personal commitment to give back. Watching his mom organize a blood drive, motivated in part by her own father’s need for weekly transfusions, Nolan jumped in to help. He manned the registration table, witnessed firsthand the importance of blood donation, and knew he wanted to do more.
Following the success of last summer’s blood drive, Nolan and Sara set out to organize another, this time at Nolan’s middle school. They transformed his personal journey into a powerful mission to raise awareness and inspire others to make a life-saving difference.
There is a lot that goes into organizing a blood drive, but Nolan’s greatest test came on April 18.
Pictured with his parents, Nolan recovered in the hospital after a lifesaving procedure that required 18 units of blood – April, 2025. Photo submitted.
During what was expected to be a routine stent placement, Nolan’s aortic valve ruptured, triggering cardiac arrest that lasted nearly 20 minutes. As blood rapidly filled his chest cavity, his left lung collapsed. In an urgent fight to save his life, doctors performed emergency surgery, relying on chest compressions to place the seven stents needed to repair the valve. Nolan required 18 units of blood that day, blood made available thanks to the selfless donations of others. That generosity is what saved his life.
Incredibly, just six weeks later, Nolan was back on the baseball field with his friends. His family, still overwhelmed by that day, speaks of how the experience changed them. “When you hear ‘18 units of blood,’ it hits different when it’s your child,” Sara said. “You don’t realize how much one small body can need, or how vital it is that the blood is there.”
Just six weeks after emergency surgery and 18 units of blood, Nolan is back and ready to hit the baseball field! Photo submitted.
Today, at 14 years old, Nolan is more than a survivor. He’s a fighter, an advocate, and a leader. He’s a student, a friend, an athlete, a big brother, and a boy whose strength has already changed so many lives. And he’s not done yet.
On June 30, family and friends supported a blood drive organized by Nolan and his mother at his middle school. Nolan greeted donors at the registration desk before joining his siblings for a well-earned lunch break. Each donor received a copy of Nolan’s story and was encouraged to share it to help raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations.
On June 30th, family and friends came together to donate blood at the drive Nolan and his mother organized at his middle school. Their hope was to collect enough to give back, to pay it forward for the many donations that once helped save Nolan’s life. They collected 41 pints of lifesaving blood – each one a testament to the power of giving and the impact of Nolan’s story.
Nolan continues to raise awareness and encourage others to donate blood, to give the gift of life, because he understands better than most just how vital it truly is.
He is, and always will be, a heart warrior.
The Jutz family. Photo submitted.
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region 