Category: Uncategorized

Making a Difference in Time of Crisis: Unsung Heroes on the Frontline

Red Cross volunteer Mark Capaldini from the Twin Cities Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Region recently returned from a 10-day deployment to North and South Carolina. He helped in food operations, driving an emergency response vehicle (ERV) to deliver meals to the communities affected by the wrath of Hurricane Helene. Mark also helped in the distribution of emergency relief supplies in these communities. This was his third such national deployment.

Mark Capaldini, pictured at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport as he starts a 10-day deployment to North and South Carolina for Hurricane Helene disaster relief. (Photo submitted)

For the first six days Mark worked with an ERV driving partner, Jeff Wick from Texas. On one of those days Mark and Jeff travelled into a severely impacted community to distribute food and teamed up with two more Red Cross volunteers to package and distribute hot meals.

Mark Capaldini pictured helping with meal distribution with fellow Red Cross volunteers Tim Perry, Greg Purkey, and Jeff Wick in a small South Carolina town — Ware Shoals on 10/11/2024.
(Photo submitted)

“We were thanked almost daily for being there and helping out,” Mark humbly expressed. “Frequently, these expressions of gratitude, often paired with a ‘bless you,’ originated from receivers of our food and clean-up kits. We were even thanked by passersby at local gas stations and fast-food locations.”

Mark’s assignment then shifted to delivering emergency relief supplies to some of the communities hardest hit.

Witnessing the aftermath in Boone, North Carolina, a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that experienced immense damage from rains, flooding, winds, and a tornado, was a glaring reality check. Mark explained that “furniture and supplies were strewn and stacked outside homes, painting a grim picture of the devastation.”

View of a Boone, North Carolina, neighborhood devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene provided a somber illustration of the disaster’s magnitude. (Photo submitted)

He further noted the widespread impact on the landscape. “The water that rushed down from the mountains carved out huge chunks of the countryside and sometimes completely washed the roads out, requiring us to travel on temporary gravel paths. This is an enormous effort that will take years to get the roads and infrastructure repaired.”

View of a Boone, North Carolina, neighborhood devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Temporary gravel paths replaced washed out roads. (Photo submitted)

When asked about his chance to get some well-deserved rest following the deployment, Mark agreed, emphasizing the comfort he anticipated upon returning to his own bed.

“It worked out for me to go and help,” Mark said. “My experience reiterated the critical role the Red Cross plays in these relief operations in responding to natural disasters.”

Mark Capaldini is a board member of the American Red Cross Twin Cities Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Region.

Touching lives, caring for patients

Red Cross volunteers in South Dakota honor the tradition of providing care and comfort for injured service members

“It’s just such a wonderful feeling – it’s my privilege to help out,” says Judy Button, a Red Cross volunteer at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) on Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City.

A retired operating room nurse and wife of an Air Force retiree, Judy jumped at the chance to help after learning about the need for volunteers at the MTF. Judy serves as pharmacy assistant.

Red Cross volunteer Judy Button serves as a pharmacy assistant at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo submitted.

“I do whatever it takes to make the pharmacist’s job easier – from unpacking boxes and stocking medications to removing outdated medications – I try to free them up, so our veterans and active-duty service members don’t have to wait long for their prescriptions,” she says.

Judy’s skills and medical knowledge learned from working in an operating room carry over to the work she does in the pharmacy. “It was nothing new to me – I asked a lot of questions, but they didn’t have to do a lot of teaching.”

The American Red Cross has a long history of helping members of the military community – from its start with its founder Clara Barton and her work during the Civil War.

“From the time a service member takes their oath to navigating life as a veteran and every step in between, we’re there to help with the challenges of military service,” says Richard Felix, a regional SAF program manager for the Red Cross in South Dakota.

Lesser known is the work done at military hospitals and care facilities across the country and around the world. Our work at the Ellsworth MTF honors this long-standing tradition.

The Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross Region currently has six hospital volunteers at the Ellsworth MTF, several serving since the start in 2017. They support a variety of departments, including pharmacy, lab, and insurance. The partnership between the Red Cross and the 28th Medical Group at Ellsworth has been great, says Felix.

“Being able to support various departments within the MTF, and ultimately serving our military community, is special. Volunteers at the MTF are unsung heroes who dedicating their time and knowledge.”

Cheryl Lemley serves as a healthcare office assistant. “I’ve got a lot of institutional knowledge,” chuckles Cheryl. No stranger to military life, Cheryl was born in Germany where her father was stationed. She grew up as an “Army brat” and is a Navy veteran herself.

She’s a newer Red Cross volunteer, starting her service in June 2023. Cheryl spends about 8 – 12 hours a month working at the Ellsworth MTF.

“It’s one of my biggest joys in life to help military members, veterans, and their families navigate the complexities of Tricare and hopefully get better outcomes on their claims.”

She enjoys being a part of the Red Cross. “The Red Cross is there to help, just like I’m helping the military community – letting them know that their sacrifices haven’t gone unnoticed and trying to make things a little easier – it’s just an awesome feeling to lessen the burden for them.”

Efforts are also underway to establish a MTF volunteer program at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. Once approved we’ll start recruiting volunteers.

Click here to learn more about our work supporting military members, their families and veterans. To become an SAF volunteer, click here.

Blood donation – the lifeline for heart warrior Melody and mother

Blood donation has become personal for the Malinski family of Mankato, Minnesota. Their daughter Melody came into the world in late December 2020, with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. At just five days old Melody faced open heart surgery, and then again had another open heart surgery when she was five months old. During both surgeries, Melody needed 8 units of lifesaving blood, and it’s likely she will need more for her next scheduled open heart surgery in 2025.

Newborn Melody, February 2021, at Children’s Minneapolis still recovering in their cardiac ICU. Picture submitted by Kelli Malinski.

“We are so grateful blood was there when Melody needed it,” says Melody’s mom, Kelli Malinski, who also needed two transfusions after experiencing blood loss during labor.

Melody is almost four years old and is getting ready to attend preschool. “She’s our world,” said her dad, Sam Malinksi. “She’s a really special kid,” Kelli Malinski adds. “You can’t see her scars, but we know what she’s been through at such a young age. Right now, she a happy, normal toddler, who loves to swim and play just like other kids her age.”

Kelli credits blood with saving her and her daughter’s life and gives back regularly – recently receiving a one-gallon blood donation pin. “I’m passionate about blood donation and it’s important to me to give back – giving blood is such a small thing you can do that has a truly amazing impact.”

Kelli Malinski donating blood at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive in Mankato, Minnesota, September 3, 2024. The blood drive collected 137 lifesaving blood donations.

She also encourages, and hopes, others will give too. “It’s a great way to help others in need and a wonderful way to give back to your community. You’ll be happy you did it – Melody and I are living proof that blood helps save lives.”

The Malinski’s (Kelli, Melody and Sam – pictured left to right) stopped by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Up Your Sleeve Blood Drive on September 3 to thank blood donors.

September is National Preparedness Month. A strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors are needed to help ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed.

Roll up your sleeve, your small act of giving might be a lifeline for someone like Kelli or Melody. Schedule your donation now.

Update and thank you from disaster volunteer Pj Doyle

Veteran volunteer Pj Doyle, deployed to the Washington Wildfires, shares her experience and gratitude from the field.

“We didn’t know the Red Cross responded to home fires.”

As a weeknight news anchor and reporter for Dakota News Now in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Brian Allen reports on home fire stories often, but never expected to experience one of his own.

On June 3, 2020, in the midst of the pandemic which had already brought uncertainty to so many, Brian and Anne Allen’s lives turned upside down when they lost the place they and their children called home.


Like many home fires, it started in the kitchen.

The Allen’s were lucky, their home had working smoke alarms and the fire was reported quickly to 911.

“Thankfully nobody was injured and although this was a traumatic event, it was not a tragic one.  Even our dog and pet bunny made it out to safety,” said Anne.

The fast-burning fire was hot and intense – evidenced by a ceiling fan in the living room that melted off its base or the melted hair on her daughter’s American Girl doll.

“It was a crispy, burned-out shell of what was our everything,” grieved Brian.

The upper level of their home had so much smoke damage that the sheetrock had to be replaced down to the studs. “It’s incredible how much damage can happen in a short time with a fire that is ultimately small,” said Anne. There was no structural damage, but the smoke damage was extensive – “it’s mind-blowing how smoke can even enter drawers.”

The man in the red vest

After the fire trucks and insurance adjuster left, the Allen’s sat in their garage contemplating what to do next. They remember an older gentleman in a red vest slowly walking down their driveway towards them – it was a volunteer from the American Red Cross.

“We were surprised the Red Cross showed up – we didn’t realize they responded to home fires,” said Brian. “He couldn’t have been nicer, more compassionate, more understanding – he gave us some supplies and cash cards to help with our immediate needs as well as help pay for a hotel for a few nights. He even brought stuffed animals for our kids.”

Anne vividly remembers his reassuring, calm voice. “He told us that things would get better. I can’t express how meaningful that moment was,” she recalls. “He was there to help us in our darkest hour. He was a godsend!”

As they recalled the day, Brian remembers saying to his wife that “he didn’t know how they were going to repay the Red Cross, but someday they would.”

Although their house was temporarily unlivable and they had to relocate for about five months, the Allen’s were thankful their family was safe, and they had a place to go. “We just lost stuff – it doesn’t compare to the alternative. We were super lucky and we’re grateful it wasn’t worse.”

Turning compassion into action

“You never think it will happen to you and then it does,” Brian said. “Now, when I’m driving to and from work and I see a home fire my heart just breaks, I know exactly what that feels like – it’s just devastating!”

Brian is now turning his compassion into action by serving on the Red Cross Eastern South Dakota board of directors. “I’m fortunate that I’m in a position to be able to help build awareness and inform the people of eastern South Dakota what the Red Cross is doing to help when disasters strike – “I want to thread the message of kindness and let them know what the Red Cross is doing for our community.”

The Allen’s hope people can learn from their misfortune. “We were those people – we didn’t have a plan,” said Anne. “We don’t like to relive our story, but if it can help anyone or encourage families to have conversations about what to do if they have a fire that would make us happy.”

Home fires are considered one of the most frequent disasters in the U.S. For example, in the Minnesota and Dakotas region last year, our disaster action team, 90% of who are volunteers, responded to more than 1,000 home fires that affected more than 4,000 people.  The Red Cross offers people the immediate financial support they require to purchase things like food, shelter, and other essential recovery items, and provides emotional support.

After a home fire, Red Cross volunteers work with local fire departments to connect with families for needs like emergency lodging, food, financial assistance, and emotional support.

DONATE: Thanks to donations, Red Cross services are free and available for all those in need. Visit redcross.org to support our lifesaving work.

VOLUNTEER: The need is constant to help families affected by home fires and other disasters. Visit redcross.org/givetime to become a volunteer.

HOME FIRE SAFETY: Home fires claim seven lives a day in the U.S. but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. Llearn more about home fire safety and preparedness.

30 years of service and still going strong: Nancy McKenney shares her story

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” exclaims Nancy McKenney who has been a Red Cross volunteer for 30 years.

McKenney, from Onida, South Dakota, became a volunteer in 1992 when a friend of hers from Pierre encouraged her to look into it. She joined because she “wanted to help people.”

Since then, McKenney has volunteered on more than 100 local and national disasters – including home fires, floods, wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes – continuing her quest to help others.  

Nancy McKenney – pictured

“We’re so grateful for Nancy’s 30 years of service with the Red Cross,” says Nick Cluppert, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “Without dedicated volunteers like Nancy, we would not be able to fulfill our mission. She gives so much of her time and is truly a gift to our organization and the people she helps!”

Nick Cluppert, Senior Disaster Program Manager and Nancy McKenney pictured at a volunteer recognition event held in honor of Nancy’s 30 years of volunteer service, Nov. 14, 2022, in Pierre, South Dakota.

One of McKenney’s most memorable experiences was right after the 9/11 attacks when she was volunteering at a satellite office of the Pentagon. A woman who had lost her mother in the attacks approached her and asked if she had time to talk. “She’d talk and I’d listen – I think she had survivor’s remorse and she was a basket case,” McKenney recalls. “I really think I made a difference and I hope that she was able to get through it.”

Being deployed to Canada in August 2017 to help disaster relief efforts following a wildfire in was McKenney’s favorite deployment with the Red Cross. “I had my passport, so I said sure I’d go.” She helped at the front desk of the Red Cross shelter where she directed people, so they received the services they needed. “The countryside was so beautiful and the people where so gracious and glad to have us there,” she recalls. “It was a wonderful experience – you can’t imagine the smiles and gratefulness of all the of the people we helped.”

Nancy McKenney receiving an appreciation plaque for 30 years of volunteer service from Richard Smith, Executive Director, Red Cross serving central and western South Dakota.

“I’ve gone out about four or five times a year,” says McKenney. Last year alone she was in Texas, New Mexico and New Orleans for weeks at a time. “This year it hasn’t worked out because of some health issues and I’m staying closer to home.”

McKenney continues to make her mark. Although for now she’s no longer going across the country to help, she’s putting her energy and compassion to good use right in South Dakota. She’s meeting with Emergency Managers across the state to keep relationships strong and establish locations for Red Cross shelters if needed in the future. And she’s working with local fire departments to make sure they have working smoke alarms to install in homes without them.

“I enjoy staying busy and talking to everyone – if I had to stay cooped up behind four walls I’d go out of my mind,” McKenney adamantly declares. “I need to do something to help people. I can just imagine all my belongings on the sidewalk after a home fire and not have anyone to turn to. I know I need to help them a little bit.”

She always finds ways to talk about the Red Cross including recruiting others to join her. “If you’re a people person the Red Cross offers lots of volunteer opportunities. I’ve made a lot of friends through the Red Cross – we’re one big family!”

Nancy McKenney celebrating 30 years of volunteering with the American Red Cross.

“I love what I do! Some of us are getting old. We need some young blood – it would make my day if I inspired someone to join the Red Cross!”

Whether you’re a people person like Nancy or prefer to work behind the scenes, the Red Cross has volunteer opportunities for you. Visit redcross.org/givetime to find your fit.

Story by Sue Thesenga, American Red Cross

Saving Lives, Inspiring Others

15-Year-Old Receives National American Red Cross Recognition

Sydney Raley, American Red Cross Certificate of Merit recipient. Photo: American Red Cross

Sydney Raley, a 15-year-old McDonald’s employee in Eden Prairie, had been working a typical Saturday shift at the drive-thru window, when she leaned out to inform a customer that her food was on the way and noticed the customer struggling. The woman was choking on a chicken nugget.

Syndey sprang into action, informing her manager and the customer’s daughter to call 911 and then jumping out the drive-thru window to help the customer by performing an abdominal thrust. She was unsuccessful at first, but with the aid of a bystander she was finally able to dislodge the food and clear the woman’s airway.

Sydney credits the bystander and her first aid training, which she received both at the age of 11 at a Red Cross Babysitting and Child Care training class and at Red Cross CPR and AED training in high school, for the successful save. Knowing how to respond during this type of situation allowed her to stay calm and collected as she completed all the necessary checks and steps to save the customer’s life.

This past month, Syndey received the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action for her heroic actions. This is one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross to an individual who saves or sustains a life by using skill and knowledge learned in a Red Cross Training Services course. It is intended to exemplify the highest degree of concern from one human being for another who is in distress.

Sydney, center, with her parents and brother. Photo: American Red Cross

At the presentation ceremony Sydney was able to reunite with the reporter who first broke her story along with others who helped spread her story and achieve international recognition for her heroism. Many in attendance were able to reflect on the inspirational nature of her actions, including Sydney’s parents who commented on the letters and messages Sydney has received from around the world detailing the hope for humanity that she has instilled in so many.

We are incredibly proud to be able to recognize Sydney with the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action and hope that Sydney’s story will continue to inspire others to receive lifesaving training and help others in times of need.

Story by Olivia Wolf, Red Cross volunteer

“I didn’t realize how important blood donation was until my dad got sick and needed it.” 

A family honors husband and father who died from cancer

Throughout his life, Ed Sturm from New Ulm, Minnesota was known for his witty one-liners and his unwavering passion to help others. The 68-year-old served in the US Army, worked for New Ulm Manufacturing and Caterpillar, and later was as a truck driver. Sadly, his life ended following a long battle with cancer in 2020.

Ed Sturm

To honor his legacy of helping others, his wife Jean Sturm and daughter Rachel Sturm hosted an American Red Cross blood drive in his memory. Their family and friends rallied to show support – filling all appointment and collecting 35 pints of lifesaving blood.

Jean and Rachel both donated blood in honor of Ed at the drive. Jean, a regular blood donor, reached her 100th donation milestone! They hope the Ed Sturm Memorial Blood Drive becomes an annual event to help pay it forward and build awareness of the need for blood donations to help treat cancer patients like Ed.

Jean and Rachel Sturm donated at the Ed Sturm Memorial Blood Drive (photo submitted).

“Everyone thought this was a great way to remember him because they knew his long journey and how much he struggled. Blood donation is an easy way for people to help others and give more time to another family going through the same situation,” said his daughter.

Sturm was first diagnosed in November 2012 with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells — crowding out the normal plasma cells that help fight infection. After a stem cell transplant in April 2013, Sturm’s cancer went into remission but returned in 2015. In March of 2019, their worst fear came true when Sturm was diagnosed with another form of cancer – myelodysplastic syndrome – where healthy blood cells die in the bone marrow or just after entering the bloodstream.

From March 2019 through March 2020, while trying to deal with the two different cancers, Sturm was in the emergency room multiple times getting blood transfusions because his hemoglobin dropped to dangerously low levels. But there wasn’t always blood on the shelves when he needed it.

“I didn’t realize how important blood donation was until my dad got sick and needed it.”  – Rachel Sturm

His wife, Jean Sturm, recalls writing in his Caring Bridge journal in March 2020 that Ed had to wait for blood when donations declined during the pandemic. He was moved to the University of Minnesota Medical Center to help ensure blood products would be more readily available. “Cancer is a very physically & emotionally draining disease and having to worry about blood availability is just one more burden piled on,” she said.

Ed and Jean Sturm at Glacier National Park

In total, Sturm received 72 units of blood and 41 units of platelets. “These transfusions gave him the strength and endurance to withstand the chemotherapy and gave him more time with us,” said his daughter. “It was eye-opening to us that one person would need so much blood. I didn’t realize how important blood donation was until my dad got sick and needed it.”

Pictured from left to right: Ed Sturm, Rachel Sturm (daughter), Brandon (grandson) and Jean Sturm

Blood and platelets play a critical role in the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases, as well as traumatic injuries. Patients fighting cancer need more blood than patients fighting any other disease, using nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply. Healthy donors are needed to ensure that patients have lifesaving blood products available for cancer treatment, emergencies and everyday medical treatments. 

To support families affected by cancer and help prevent a blood shortage this summer you can book a time to give. Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Story by Sue Thesenga, American Red Cross. Photos provided by Sturm family.

Showing how much has to be done

Photo credit: John Decker/American Red Cross

The photo above, sent from one of our Red Cross volunteers, captures a tiny fraction of the sandbags being used to fight back water rising in the Rainy River watershed (and others) across northern Minnesota since last Friday. These sandbags are filled by community volunteers: families, students, neighbors and out-of-towners. They get thirsty, they get hungry and they get blisters. So, we’re there supporting them with hydration and snacks as well as basic health services – we’re helping the helpers! We’ve been working primarily in International Falls (Koochiching County) and doing deliveries to Lake Kabetogama and surrounding areas (Northern St. Louis County).

FAST FACTS

By end of day today, we’ll have provided since last Friday:

💧 Bottled water: 3,288

✔️ Powerade/Gatorade/BodyArmor: 1,370

🍿 Snacks: 1,942

🍊 Fruit: 392

🚚 Remote distribution of Salvation Army meals: 60 meals

🤕 First aid services at sandbagging location: 96

Many thanks to the great groups below, and to all of our amazing partners, for supporting the flood response – Boise Paper/PCA, Walmart in Virginia, MN, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, Coca Cola Bottling of International Falls, International Falls Hockey Arena, and Cub Foods Duluth. You’re the best! 🤩

May is Military Appreciation Month

As part of our Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) activities, we’re proud to celebrate national Military Appreciation Month with service members, veterans and their families.

The American Red Cross has a long history of serving the U.S. military going back to the Civil War. Our founder, Clara Barton, also known as, “the angel of the battlefield,” participated in 16 separate battles during the war.

This proud service to our Armed Forces continues today in our region:

✔️ In April 2022, the Minnesota and Dakotas Region assisted with 56 emergency communications requests. The Red Cross is federally chartered to handle all emergency communications to our active-duty forces.

✔️ In April, we participated in deployment events where 54 military members and their families received much needed resiliency training. The Red Cross provides much needed resiliency training to deploying units and their families.

✔️ We also follow up with family members of deployed service members. In April, for example, 240 critical community service cases were completed.

🤗 These services happen only with the outstanding efforts of our SAF volunteers. We’d like to share our profound thanks to them for their generosity of time, kindness and expertise. You’re the best!

📷 This May, Red Cross youth volunteers delivered messages of gratitude and Girl Scout cookies at Veterans Affairs clinics in Hibbing, MN and Superior, WI and to VA homes in Silver Bay and Fergus Falls. Photo credit: Dan Williams/American Red Cross