Tag: Minnesota

Helping People Get Through the Unknown

Tom Goebel, Helen Goebel and Mike Hofmann, Cold Spring, MN, April 15, 2024. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

On a frosty January morning in 2023, Tom Goebel was at home in Cold Spring, Minnesota. He was resting on the couch, icing an injured leg when he heard a ‘pop’ sound.

“Like a laundry basket dropping,” he says. Shortly after he heard another ‘pop’ – this time it was louder, more urgent. “I went to the laundry room and saw smoke coming from under the garage door.”

Tom dialed his wife, Helen, who happened to be out, taking his car to the repair shop. “Get out of the house,” she instructed. “Call 9-1-1.”

On crutches, Tom turned back to grab what he could, stood outside on the deck and waited for the fire department. But then, a chilling thought: What if this whole thing blows up? “I threw my crutches over and slid down the snow on my butt!”

Despite firefighters doing the best they could to extinguish the blaze, it had a good head start and unfortunately Tom and Helen’s home was destroyed in January 2023.  Submitted photo.

Meanwhile, Helen returned home, her heart racing. “I didn’t know what was snow and what was smoke,” she says. Most importantly, she didn’t know where Tom was—until she learned he’d sought refuge at a neighbor’s house.

Despite firefighters doing the best they could to extinguish the blaze, it had a good head start and unfortunately their home was destroyed.  

“When you say you lost everything, people don’t understand,” says Tom. “Until you’re in this situation, it’s a little bit more real.”

Amid the chaos, the Red Cross stepped in. Mike Hofmann, a longtime volunteer who had known Tom since childhood, reached out.

“At first they didn’t want anything,” says Mike. “And then they called back. It was a cold, winter day. Two of us met them and we walked through what we could do to help them.”

Care included comfort kits, basic hygiene items, personal care essentials—the small things that matter most when everything else crumbles. “When you have absolutely zero a comfort kit is the biggest thing you’ve got going,” says Tom. “They helped us get through this land of the unknown.”

Later, they found some charred documents like birth and marriage certificates preserved in a safe. Even something as small and simple as a spatula for cooking was nowhere to be found.

“You think you know what you’re missing until you don’t have it,” says Helen.

Tom Goebel and Helen Gobel

The Red Cross responders helped them replace prescriptions and navigate their next steps through recovery.

“I didn’t know they came out for a fire like that,” says Helen. I thought they were more for major disasters.”

Local Red Cross disaster volunteers respond most often to home fires in their local communities. These “disaster action team” responders show up with care and compassion to disasters big and small.  

In the year since the fire, a time of staying with neighbors and living in other temporary housing, Tom and Helen are home, again, with a fresh start.

“We were always on the giving side. This was us on the receiving side,” says Tom. “Red Cross said, ‘step up and take this, that’s why we’re here, to help everyone.”

To learn more about the Red Cross and our support for local disasters, please visit RedCross.org/MNDAKS.

Tom Goebel, Helen Goebel and Mike Hofmann

Cindy Anderson: A Legacy of Service

After nearly six decades of volunteering for the American Red Cross, Cindy Anderson from Northfield, Minnesota, is passing the baton. When asked why now, Cindy, 90, said, “It’s time for a change. My mind is good, but my body is feeling its age – that pretty much sums it up!”

Cindy Anderson celebrates 57 years of volunteering with the Red Cross!

Not many people can say they’ve been with an organization for nearly 60 years, but Cindy can.

Recruited as a Red Cross volunteer in 1967 when she first moved to Northfield, she has since helped organize blood drives and recruit volunteers. With a background in pediatric nursing, she found a fit as a nurse volunteer at Red Cross blood drives, taking donors’ vital statistics like blood pressure and temperature. She continued to recruit other nurse volunteers until the Red Cross transitioned this role to a staff position.

Cindy’s role within the Red Cross evolved over the years, but one constant remained – the need for blood and volunteers. “Blood is always needed,” Cindy emphasizes. What began as two blood drives a year turned into 16 blood drives at multiple Northfield locations, including Culver’s, the Northfield Ballroom, various churches, and FiftyNorth Senior Center. “My husband has been encouraging me to step back for a couple of years,” Cindy shares with a giggle. “It’s finally time.”

The blood drives Cindy has helped organize have undoubtedly been responsible for thousands of blood donations helping countless patients in need of lifesaving blood products. One of her most memorable experiences was meeting a local blood donor whose wife and daughter both relied on monthly infusions that provided antibodies from the blood of healthy donors. “It’s so important. Someone right in our community relies heavily on blood donation every month,” she says.

When asked about the number of blood drives she’s helped organize and the number of volunteers she’s recruited, she chuckled and said, “I don’t want to take the time to figure that out!”

Cindy with fellow volunteers Sandy and Merilyn
(Pictured left to right: Sandy Pieri, Cindy Anderson, and Merilyn Calcutt)

Merilyn Calcutt, who has served as a greeter for blood drives at FortyNorth and worked alongside Cindy for the past 12 years since her own retirement, is now taking over as the blood program leader for that location. “It literally took three people to replace Cindy,” she exclaimed.

Sandy Pieri, another Red Cross disaster and blood drive volunteer, seconds that. “Cindy will be missed – it took three of us to cover what she did.”

But Cindy humbly replies, “It really doesn’t seem like much.”

Cindy’s third replacement, Barb Garbowski, will take over the drives at Culver’s. “Culver’s is a great partner and helps maintain a strong donor base in Northfield because were able to hold blood drives there every month,” Cindy adds.  “And the ‘pint for a pint’ coupon is such a sweet way to thank the blood donors.”

Cindy pictured with blood donor and long-time friend, Barbara Swartwoudt.

Barbara Swartwoudt, a blood donor, and long-time friend of Cindy’s, agrees. “We will miss Cindy at the blood drives – she was always pleasant and welcoming.”

Cindy and her husband recently sold their home and moved to an assisted living facility in Northfield. Cindy looks forward to doing crossword puzzles and reading more now that she’ll have some extra time on her hands. She also hopes to spend more time with her four children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandsons.

“I will miss the people,” says Cindy.

“We’re so grateful for Cindy’s 57 years of service with the Red Cross,” says Dayna Steinke, donor recruitment account manager, Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “Cindy is an exceptionally generous person. Without dedicated volunteers like Cindy, we would not be able to fulfill our lifesaving mission.”

Cindy is thanked for her years of service by Dayna Steinke, donor recruitment account manager, at the blood drive held at FiftyNorth Senior Center on Feb. 21, 2024.

Join us in sending Cindy off with warm wishes and immense gratitude for her dedicated years of service!

Be like Cindy! You can support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross by becoming a blood drive volunteer. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check-in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. Visit RedCross.org/GiveTime to sign up today!

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).

Story by Sue Thesenga, Communications Manager, Minnesota and Dakotas Region.

💝 Hearts Filled With Gratitude

Before undergoing surgery for a routine ear procedure in November 2021, Matt Alford’s doctor wanted the 35-year-old father to have a pre-surgery physical. Concerns about anesthesia and a potential hereditary heart condition that his mother had led his doctor to take the extra precaution.

Despite being evaluated for a congenital heart defect as a child, and asymptomatic growing up, tests revealed Matt did indeed have a heart valve that needed to be repaired without delay.

“It was a big shock to us that he would need surgery to repair it,” says his wife, Katie Alford.

Matt, a farmer from south central Minnesota, hoped that he could get past the spring planting season and have surgery that summer. However, doctors were not comfortable delaying surgery due to the severity of his condition.

Matt, amidst severe fatigue, gave a reassuring thumbs up to Katie right before he received a
blood transfusion. (Photo submitted)

On March 22, 2022, Matt, underwent bicuspid aortic valve replacement surgery. Following surgery, Matt’s condition deteriorated quickly due to excessive blood loss and doctors were concerned his vital organs were in jeopardy. He received two units of blood that evening and was closely monitored by doctors until his condition stabilized. 

The following days Matt was terribly weak and tired. Four days post-op he needed an additional blood transfusion for symptomatic anemia to give him the strength his body needed to recover.

Katie an avid blood donor herself, recalls thinking “wow, I’m actually going to see how all of this works!”

Within a couple of hours Katie could visually see the difference. “I kid you not – he went for a walk for his therapy and the staff had to hold him back from walking further!”

A determined Matt walked out of the hospital following heart valve repair surgery on his own.
(Photo submitted)

Matt was discharged from the hospital just five days after surgery and was able to walk out to the car on his own. “We were concerned about the kids bumping him too much and forgetting that daddy was still recovering,” says Katie. So, Matt spent the next three weeks rehabbing at Katie’s grandparent’s house who were away for the winter months in a warmer climate.

Matt is grateful to be alive and currently has no physical restrictions. “Without the generosity of blood donors, Matt might not be here to be a husband, and father to our three children,” says Katie. “We are so thankful for God’s provision throughout his whole journey and are forever indebted to the doctors, nurses, and blood donors who all have forever impacted our lives.”

Reunited with his family following heart surgery, Matt, along with wife Katie, enjoyed reading stories with their children Ben (5), Noah (2) and Allie (3 months). (Photo submitted)

“I’ve witnessed how blood has made a difference,” says Katie. “I started donating blood in high school because my grandfather needed it while being treated for leukemia. It gave us more time with him – and now, it helped save my husband’s life!”

The Alfords are both motivated to help pay it forward. “This is something near and dear to our hearts,” says Katie, who is organizing a blood drive in her community. Although blood donation wasn’t on Matt’s radar before his heart surgery, he has since become a donor and will be making his second blood donation at Katie’s blood drive.

“In my case having blood on the shelves was the difference between
life and death.”

– Matt Alford, blood recipient

“In my case having blood on the shelves was the difference between life and death,” says Matt. “We’re all busy but taking a small amount of time to donate is an incredible way to really change someone’s life – like someone did for me.”

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. The American Red Cross must collect enough blood and platelets every day to meet the needs of mothers experiencing complications following childbirth; premature babies; accident, trauma and burn victims; heart surgery and organ transplant patients; and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell diseases.

You can make a lifesaving difference by donating blood. 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).

Story by Minnesota and Dakotas communications manager Sue Thesenga

Red Cross honors local man who helped save the life of a cyclist during a cardiac emergency

We have the great pleasure of announcing that Hunter Conrad, from southeast Minnesota, has received an American Red Cross Certificate of Merit. This award is the highest award the Red Cross gives to an individual who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a Red Cross Training Services course. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States, who is the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross.

Photo: (L to R) Kevin O’Brien, the instructor who certified Hunter, Hunter Conrad, the honoree, and Melanie Tschida, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Southeast Minnesota.

Hunter demonstrated heroic efforts on October 4, 2022, when he helped save the life of a cyclist who suffered a cardiac emergency in Dundas, Minnesota. On that day, he was driving down a rural back road when he came upon a group of cyclists who waved for him to stop. One of the cyclists had suddenly lost consciousness and fallen off his bike. Hunter sprang into action, assisting the cyclist in distress. With another member of the group, they alternated administering CPR until EMS arrived and took over. The cyclist was then airlifted to a hospital and later recovered.

Hunter was a true hero because he was trained to respond. More than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest every year – but sadly only 11% survive. Are you prepared for the moments that matter? Find the right class for you at redcross.org/mndaks.

Guest Post – DeAnna Murphy was “saved by blood”

“I’m super grateful for people who gave blood and made it possible for me to live…”

The phrase “saved by blood” was something I always associated with a great Easter sermon – that is, until a stranger’s blood literally saved my life 35 years ago.  Gratefully, that person cared enough to be a donor, and doing so, saved two lives on that fateful day.

Mother/daughter duo DeAnna and Mandy volunteered together at the Red Cross blood drive held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Waconia, MN on Jan. 31, 2023.

I was a 23-year old soon-to-be mother of a new baby girl, and unlike so many other expectant mothers, I loved being pregnant! I loved the feeling of life inside me as she squirmed and kicked and reminded me that she was coming. I loved making baby blankets and spending long hours oohing and aahing over the baby girl clothes in the discount store near our home. My husband and I talked often and excitedly about the day when she would finally join our little family. 

One beautiful early June afternoon, I could feel the summer sun calling to me. Our two-year old son, Matt, was as thrilled as I was to be going on a long walk, and our hearts were light as we made our way toward the duck pond that we often frequented. 

Matt tightly held the breadcrumb bag and chattered energetically as we walked along.  Then the moment he could see the pond, he begged to get down. I lifted him out of the stroller, taking a mental picture of his radiant face as he enthusiastically bounded toward the ducks. “Duckie, duckie,” he called, as he went. From their reaction, I’m pretty sure that they were as happy about his visit as he was to be there. 

After he had emptied his bread bag, I lifted him again to put him back in the stroller. It was then that I felt the muscles pull in a strange way across my swollen belly. It didn’t feel right.  There wasn’t much I could do about it in that moment, except to slow my pace as I gingerly made my way back home. The stroller felt much heavier than it had before, and I knew I needed to be off my feet as soon as possible. 

A few hours later, I found myself in an emergency room, losing blood so fast that even the medical staff seemed worried. I had a condition known as placenta previa, something that had taken the life of many an expectant mother through the years. Apparently, the combination of the long walk pushing a stroller, and lifting our little son in and out of it, had put extra pressure on the womb, and caused the bleeding to start. And it didn’t seem to be slowing or stopping.

One of the many worries in this equation was that our baby girl still needed another 10 weeks in the womb in order to survive. Our neonatologist was particularly scared, given that our daughter also had an open spine and would need surgery right after birth. Our obstetrician was worried – and we were terrified.

The next 24 hours passed like a bad dream. I was in and out of consciousness, vomiting until there was nothing left in my stomach. The lights seemed to burn at my eyes whenever I tried to open them, and the voices around me often seemed far away. In fact, there were times when I almost felt disconnected from my own body. 

I do remember one very lucid moment when I awoke to see a unit of blood flowing into one arm, with an IV in the other. As my eyes fluttered open just then, no doubt reflecting the confusion I felt, Dr. Parker explained that a blood transfusion had been necessary to save my life, not to mention the life of our little girl. 

Several units of blood and many hours later, I awoke to find my husband next to my bed still holding my hand.  His eyes were blood shot and he looked as if he hadn’t slept in days.  He smiled wanly at me as he said, “you’re finally back with us.”  He told me that they thought the bleeding had nearly stopped, and that it looked like I was going to be okay.

That was the first miracle. The second came five weeks later, when four-and-a-half-pound Mandy was finally placed in our arms.  She was premature, but her lungs were formed, and she was beautiful!  She had a full head of dark hair and bright blue eyes that looked from one of us to the other. 

In that moment, I smiled tiredly down at her, knowing that we had both been saved by blood.  The seemingly small act of a stranger had produced great miracles that changed the course of our lives and our family’s history forever. 

We’ll never be able to thank our anonymous hero, but if you are someone who cares enough to donate blood, just know that someone out there is thanking God tonight for you.  You are a hero to somebody!

I’m super grateful for people who gave blood and made it possible for me to live to give birth twice more after that and be here to raise my children!

This blog story was written by DeAnna Murphy – American Red Cross co-blood program leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Waconia, MN, blood donor, author and Top 100 Global Coaching Leader. She is also the mother of three, and grandmother of four. She currently lives in the Minneapolis area.

Want to be someone’s hero? Schedule a blood donation today. Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

“They probably would have helped with that too…”

“Well, I’m doing ok, now. At least the water isn’t in the trailer,” said Darlene Tomczak, referring to the Rainy Lake Basin flooding that started in May. “But the skirting, insulation and ductwork are all ruined.”

Originally from Canada, Darlene moved to the United States in ’64, for – you guessed it – love. She and her late husband survived their share of hardships over the years, including other floods, but “this one is by far the worst – just devastating – worse than 2014,” she added.

“This time the water came up fast. I told the kids, we gotta get you out now or we won’t get you out,” Darlene said referring to her daughters and granddaughters who were visiting her at the time.

View of Darlene Tomczak’s home, Rainy Lake, MN. She and her family had to be rescued from rising flood waters via boat. May 2022. Submitted photo.

Her daughter and sons rescued Darlene from Rainy Lake via boat. “We were lucky,” she said. In the following weeks, she stayed with her daughter and extended family, waiting on mother nature.

Flood waters receded slowly, revealing not only mud and sand, but mementos of drier days. Water pumps drone on keeping additional damage at bay as people watch their electric bills rise like flood waters.

Bill Parker, from Side Lake, MN, is one of the many Red Cross volunteers who helped with those so deeply affected by this disaster. Assessing their immediate needs, including safe shelter, help with food and health services, cleanup supplies, and emotional support, he determines what services Red Cross can provide and what our community partners can do.

Darlene shares a smile outside her home. Submitted photo.

“My jaw dropped open and I almost lost my teeth!”
chuckled Darlene, referring to the support from the Red Cross.
“But they probably would’ve helped me with that too.”

Part of the Red Cross recovery process includes getting money into the hands of disaster victims as soon as possible to support their specific needs. In Darlene’s case, the funds came at the perfect time – helping her pay the electric bill for her water pumps running 24 hours a day. “My jaw dropped open and I almost lost my teeth!” chuckled Darlene, referring to support from the Red Cross. “But they probably would’ve helped me with that too.”

Darlene is just one of the hundreds of people Red Cross disaster responders continue to help as they wait for the flood waters to finally go down.

Since the Rainy Lake Basin waters began to rise in May, more than 70 Red Cross disaster responders (+90% volunteers) have supported sandbaggers, community members and people directly impacted by the floods, including:

32,527 snacks and beverages

1,120 physical and emotional health services

150 residents impacted by flooding received direct financial assistance

1,403 meals delivered from partners at the Salvation Army

1,220 cleanup kits comfort kits and emergency supplies

“Red Cross volunteers were grateful to help people like Darlene affected by these historic floods,” said Dan Williams, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Northern Minnesota Chapter. “We always need more people like all of the volunteers who helped with this response to raise their hand to help our neighbors in need,” he added.  

“The support from local Government, business community and response partners was incredible.  Huge thanks to the International Falls Coca-Cola distributor, the Virginia Walmart store, Cub Foods and the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (among many others) for their amazing nimbleness and generosity.” 

Learn more about volunteer opportunities near you at redcross.org/volunteer.

“We need more Annas in the world”

Many Red Crossers are committed to changing the world – one community, one person at a time. That is exactly what Anna Sieben’s mission was.

Sadly, Anna passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2021, following complications from severe pneumonia.

Anna Sieben
1990 – 2021

To honor Anna’s legacy of making a difference, and her passion for the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross, her friends and family have organized a blood drive in her memory on May 20, 2022, at Crossroads Church in Hastings, Minn. where Anna attended.

Throughout her life Anna had unwavering passion for helping others. “She was 110% about helping other people regardless of whether she knew you well or if you were a stranger,” said her best friend, Alea Gaughn, who’s helping to organize the blood drive in memory of Anna. “Anyone who knew Anna knew that she had three passions in life: her son Afton, living a healthy lifestyle and helping others.”

Anna and son Afton

Before Anna became a Red Cross employee, she worked at a nursing home. “Anna showed so much passion for the residents there – it was her calling to help others,” says Alea.

In 2019, Anna joined the Red Cross in the biomedical services scheduling department. Her spirit of giving and passion for helping others was quickly evident by her enthusiasm to host blood drives at several of her church’s campuses and volunteer at an annual Christmas Eve blood drive sponsored by the Red Cross.

“Anna was a shining light,” said Dee Carlson, manager of the scheduling department and Anna’s supervisor. “It was amazing to witness how she carried the mission of the Red Cross through everything she did. She made an impact on me, and our entire team, that will change us forever. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her – I miss her sweet smiles, her silly moments and her infectious laugh.”

Anna touched many at the Red Cross. Co-workers across departments enjoyed working with her.

“Anna was a beautiful person,” said Nicole Perlstein, donor recruitment account manager. “To me, she was a one in million type of gal! Anna deeply loved the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross, and I appreciated her passion to help in the community as a blood program leader.” 

Cathy Stapel, a donor recruitment account manager, recalls that Anna always had a glow about her and a smile on her face.

Selflessly, Anna volunteered at Red Cross blood drives including the annual St. James Thanksgiving Day blood drive. She brought homemade cookies to share with blood donors when they finished their donations (pre-Covid). Her son Afton volunteered too, handing out pumpkin pies. “I could tell she adored Afton and I remember thinking how nice it was that she gave up her holiday to help and got him involved in giving back,” said Cathy.  

Anna and Red Crossers Amber Swing and Cathy Stapel at the annual St. James Thanksgiving Day blood drive

Anna, an avid blood donor herself, encouraged her friends and family to donate blood regularly, and many continue as an ongoing tribute to her. “Anna impacted so many lives in such a positive way – she taught us how important it was to give back,” said Alea. “Anna would be so proud to have us donate blood in her name. My wish is for everyone to gather to roll up a sleeve one more time for Anna!”

Anna was a dedicated blood donor and encouraged others to donate

All appointments have been filled for the May 20 blood drive being held in memory of Anna. Those who want to donate in Anna’s honor are welcome to make an appointment to donate at other blood drive locations by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Story by Sue Thesenga /American Red Cross. Photos courtesy Alea Gaughn

Home Fire Relief – Brainerd, Minnesota

Red Cross volunteers assist Brainerd couple after home fire

When a fire broke out at Tom Phillips’s home, he worried he and his fiance, Jenny Tienter, might have to spend the night in his car.

However, a team of volunteers with the Red Cross reached out to Phillips and his fiance to ensure they had a place to stay and provided them with other forms of assistance. In times of need, countless volunteers with the Red Cross assist people like Phillips and his fiance, who have been displaced by house fires.

“Without (the volunteers) I would’ve really been in a hard spot. They helped me out considerably,” Phillips said.

The Jan. 27 fire in Brainerd, Minnesota, began when a camping stove Phillips was using to prepare breakfast blew up. Phillips managed to get his fiance out of their burning home but unfortunately wasn’t able to get out his basset hound, Delilah.

“I miss her dearly,” he said, of Delilah. “That’s one loss I’m still trying to recover from, and I’m sure I never really will.”

Family photo of Delilah

Phillips said the Red Cross volunteers, including Dana Dimit, assisted him and his fiance in getting their lives back on track. He said he’s talked with the volunteers frequently, and they answered his questions and connected him with resources, including a mental health support group to help him cope with the loss of his dog.

Dimit has been volunteering with the Red Cross for nearly five years.

“The minute I retired I joined the Red Cross,” the former technology consultant said.

Dimit said she decided to volunteer in part because she wanted to “do something completely different,” that was “more people-oriented” and didn’t involve technology.

Dimit primarily works as a disaster responder with the Red Cross, but also does orientation for new volunteers and has been assisting with setting up a new internal system for tracking house fires.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Dimit has shifted to doing intake for fires that occur in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, gathering information about the fires and talking with those who have been displaced.

Dana Dimit

Dimit makes herself available, even in the middle of the night. She recalled a recent phone call she received late at night from someone displaced by fire who said they didn’t have any shoes or a place to go, so she helped ensure they had a place to stay.

 “If I don’t know what’s going on, I worry about them,” she said.

Despite losing his house and his belongings, Phillips said he’s trying to remain optimistic. Without the Red Cross, he said, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said.

Story by Blair Emerson – Red Cross volunteer

Thanks to Emily for making such a huge impact and helping the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply through the holiday season and this winter!

Leslie Johnson and her daughter Emily Johnson, Mankato, Minnesota.

We’re happy to share with you a story that KEYC-News in Mankato recently aired entitled: LCWM senior advocates for blood donations by sharing personal story.

Emily Johnson, a senior at Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School is hosting her second blood drive this year because she credits blood with helping save her mom’s life.

“My mom is my inspiration and I’m grateful she is alive,” said Emily Johnson. “If blood had not been available when she needed it, she might not be here today – I might not have had my mom growing up. It’s my honor to be able to promote blood donation and help pay it forward to others in need.”

In 2005, when Emily was just two years old her mother, Leslie Johnson, was in a farming accident that left her with broken bones including a shattered pelvis in five places, her right leg was severely injured and detached from her spine, a severed artery in her abdomen and head trauma. The injuries caused massive bleeding and she received platelets while being airlifted to the hospital.

Leslie Johnson underwent surgery that same day to repair the severed artery and head trauma. She received nine units of blood in the first 24 hours. She spent the next six days in an induced coma and received additional units of blood. Eleven days later following a second surgery to repair her crushed pelvis she was discharged from the hospital. The next three months were spent in a wheelchair and learning to walk again.

“I am so proud of Emily,” said her mother. “She is such an amazing young woman and is making a positive impact in this world!”

Leslie Johnson is facing another surgery to fully replace both of her hip sockets that were also crushed in the accident and may need additional blood products.

Thanks to Emily for making such a huge impact and helping the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply through the holiday season and this winter.

Make your blood, platelets or convalescent plasma donation today.

Helping people affected by Hurricane Hanna

Carol Holm of the American Red Cross surveys flooding caused by Hurricane Hanna, in Edcouch, TX on Tuesday July 28, 2020. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

Fulfilling our humanitarian mission to alleviate human suffering continues in response to disasters in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, 17 volunteers from across our three-state region are helping people affected by Hurricane Hanna in Texas. These deployments include volunteers like Carol Holm (pictured above and below) who are on-the-ground in Texas while others are responding remotely from home.

In response to Hurricane Hanna, more than 200 Red Cross disaster workers are beginning detailed damage assessment work across Texas, in addition to supporting additional response efforts. Feeding missions are underway in the hardest hit counties where the power has been out and food is unavailable. So far, more than 5,900 meals and snacks have been served with partners. Over 470 overnight shelter and hotel stays have been provided with partners. More than 400 contacts have been made to support any physical, mental health, disability and spiritual needs.

Red Cross volunteers Carol Holm, right, and Marc Lazerow, left, show the Cantu family to their cots at a Red Cross shelter for people displaced by Hurricane Hanna in Edcouch, TX on Tuesday July 28, 2020. Family units are grouped closer together while other cots are spaced further apart for social distance from others to help protect against COVID-19. Photo by Scott Dalton/American Red Cross

Throughout the 2020 hurricane season, dedicated Red Cross relief workers, mostly volunteers, will continue to prepare for and respond to each round of storms providing comfort and care as affected communities assess damage and attempt to return to daily life, amidst the continued struggle against the Coronavirus Outbreak.

We’ve undertaken a suite of risk mitigation activities for our disaster workforce, including prioritizing non-congregate lodging for our responders, mandating the use of face coverings for everyone working at a Red Cross work site, pre-arrival COVID-19 testing when required by the receiving state, departure testing for all deployed workers, and maximizing virtual work.

You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief or by becoming a Disaster Relief Volunteer. You can donate or start your volunteer journey at redcross.org/mndaks.