A History of Nursing

by Multimedia Storyteller, Mike Sagara Florence Nightingale, “the mother of Nursing,” was born in Florence, Italy, on May 12th, 1820. Florence started work in a hospital in  1844, but her parents objected since “nursing” was not considered an honorable profession. She went to Germany and France and worked as a volunteer in hospitals. In 1854,

Red Cross Club Student Spotlight

By Communications Volunteer Lois Dupre Forum Desai is 16 years old and a junior at Mountain Ridge High School. She had been in a Red Cross Club in middle school and is now the treasurer of a health organization called HOSA, director of volunteer services in a non-profit called “She’s the First”, and a CTE ambassador

Irish Born Blood Donor Donates on St. Patrick’s Day

Story by Mike Sagara, Volunteer Public Information Officer Catherine Meyler, RN (retired) Catherine Meyler began donating blood as a student nurse in Dublin, Ireland. Catherine found out that she is 0- (a universal blood type that can be taken off the shelf and transfused to anyone in a lifesaving situation). She donated a few times

New Mexico Red Cross Supports the Bataan Death March Memorial

By John Gravel, Service to the Armed Forces Regional Program Manager Over 20 volunteers and staff from both New Mexico and El Paso Texas, and from both Disaster Cycle Services and Service to the Armed Forces came together to support the Bataan Death March Memorial at White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico on

Valentine’s Day – A day for couples

Story by Mike Sagara, Multimedia Storyteller Valentine’s Day is a special day to celebrate love, romance, and couples. The AZ/NM Region would like to spotlight two of our “couples” who volunteer for the American Red Cross. Kellie and Joe Gillespie from Pinetop, AZ, attended a recruitment fair hosted by Saylor Caudill in Show Low, AZ,

Terri Carruthers and Miss Cuddles bring comfort to Red Cross staff

By Communications Volunteer Lori Baker Terri Carruthers hands out Life Savers as her therapy dog, Miss Cuddles, visits volunteers and staff at the American Red Cross office in Phoenix. While the Life Savers are welcome, the real treat is spending time with Miss Cuddles. The Champagne-colored, 12-pound Border Terrier goes from person to person, wagging

Volunteer Spotlight – Andrea Burns

Story as told by Andrea Burns to Mike Sagara, Multimedia Storyteller Andrea Burns started as a Red Cross volunteer in November of 2016. Andrea says, “I joined the Red Cross to give back after someone selflessly saved my life. Both my father and husband are military veterans, and I am grateful for their sacrifices. Military

It’s Not the Cookies and Juice that Motivate this Blood donor

By Public Information Officer Volunteer Trudy Thompson-Shumaker When you see Georgi Donchetz crying as she donates blood, don’t worry. Just give her a thumbs up and a smile.   Georgi’s tears are tears of gratitude, and she is remembering her mom.   “I lost my mom when I was 19, and she had always taught me to

Lifesaving Award – Tucson

By Multimedia Storyteller Mike Sagara The American Red Cross and Northwest Fire District honored a local hero, Rick Yngve, on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Northwest Fire Station #30 in Tucson, AZ. The ceremony included guest speakers from the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, Northwest Fire District, and remarks by Rick and Erica Yngve.

Bob Porter, Volunteer Extraordinaire

Written by Suzanne Cummins, Volunteer Communications Writer Bob Porter recently received a Spirit of Philanthropy Award from the Southern Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals. He is a Disaster Mental Health Services Volunteer for the American Red Cross.  His story and work are inspirational.  Bob grew up in Oregon, just outside of Portland.  He attended the