Real-life Story #1- Teen lifeguard Reid Heiser is a true lifesaver. As soon as he heard that a man collapsed from a heart attack on nearby tennis courts, he sprung into action. Putting his Red Cross CPR training to use, Reid kept Jim Hammer alive for 11 minutes until EMTs arrived. Though the two met under unusual circumstances, they’ve struck up a friendship. Reid and Jim now work together at the same YMCA where Reid saved Jim’s life.
Real-life Story #2- Sarah Centrella, a single mom, unexpectedly lost her job. While struggling to support three young children, her problems were compounded by an emergency. A sprinkler system flooded her entire home, leaving it uninhabitable. Sarah looked around that day—firefighters in every room—put her hands to her face and cried. Luckily, Red Cross workers were there. They made sure the family had all the basics, from a safe place to stay and warm food to toothbrushes and toiletries. They even gave her children stuffed animals, a small touch that made a big difference. Sarah says the Red Cross “gave me that break, that leverage, to be able to get it together.”
Testimonials:
"After a hurricane devastated my community, I was so touched by the huge outpouring of assistance offered by neighbors and complete strangers. You don't realize how difficult any natural disaster can really be, until it happens to you!!"- Nancy Burroughs, Warren, Vermont
"The Red Cross helped my mother. She lost her home of 31 years to a house fire. The Red Cross provided emergency funds for food and shelter immediately. It's that kind of help that we want others to experience no matter what they are facing."- Darnella Mosley, Nashville, Tennessee
"I was driving from Chicago to Dallas and I was stuck in a huge snow storm. We were given shelter in a nearby church… I saw American Red Cross volunteers helping all the people in church with hot coffee, warm blankets and other food... I was so impressed with the service and the way they were helping people... I decided that if I got a chance, I would definitely help."- Kishore Konduru, Irving, Texas
"The Red Cross has helped me get the most important man back from Afghanistan. Audrey’s husband was deployed in Afghanistan when she was due to give birth to their second child. The Red Cross helped contact the Army to bring him home so he could be there for this special event."- Audrey & Billy Wilkins Hope Mills, North Carolina. View this short video at: http://www.redcross.org/stories/wilkins-family
Red Cross donors make heartening stories like these possible. Their thoughtful gifts are paired with the power of our unprecedented volunteer force, nearly 400,000 strong. Together, we deliver hope and critical support during people’s darkest hours. When you donate to the Red Cross, your donation is used efficiently. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the American Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. Visit: http://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/red-cross-stories to view more heart touching stories.