Service Above Self: Jim Rogers

Written by Remy Kennedy
Photos courtesy of Jim Rogers

Jim Rogers shared a favorite quote with us: “Rivers do not drink their own water. Trees do not eat their own fruit. The sun does not shine on itself. And flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature…” It resonates with him because of his beliefs around volunteering. “I believe you have to give back. A lot of people want to, but they don’t know how to get involved. Everybody I’ve asked to volunteer has always done it,” said Jim. 

Working at Hilliard Lyons as the COO (Chief Operating Officer) for 30 years, Jim spends his retirement time helping the community. He serves on the board of directors at the University of Louisville, is a trustee for the Kentucky Colonels, and he’s a previous board member for our Red Cross Kentucky Region. Jim now chairs our Red Cross disaster committee. He has also volunteered at the Neighborhood House and Lincoln Heritage Boy Scouts of America in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Jim is passionate about our organization because “Red Cross basically saved both my kids’ lives. My son had a total blood transfusion at birth. My daughter in her early teens also had a blood transfusion for different reasons. For my son, it was life and death. It was the last option available… It was Red Cross blood donors that saved their lives.” 

A Portland neighborhood native, growth opportunities in the west end is part of Jim’s mission. He led the initiative to install smoke alarms in Portland neighborhoods as part of our Sound the Alarm campaign. He teaches CPR & First Aid classes, and almost all staff at the Neighborhood House have been certified thanks to Jim’s efforts. He believes education is the key for kids who live in underserved areas. “I mean education holistically. I think trade schools are wonderful. Not every kid needs or should go to college… Growing up in a family business, education could mean starting your own business. Betterment of yourself.” 

Jim frequently gathers with his high school classmates, collectively raising funds for educational tools benefiting youth on the west end. “Everywhere, I believe you can’t be what you can’t see. These kids, they don’t see jobs at Red Cross. They don’t see a bank. A 17-year-old shadowed me at my office one day. I had her come down to sit in operations, sit in the IT department. She saw people of color doing all these jobs she never knew existed,” he said. 

Jim has deployed with Red Cross to Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Kentucky. “I’m one who wants to be boots on the ground. I don’t want to sit in the office and supervise. I want to be out helping people. Feeding them, bringing them supplies, doing disaster assessment,” he explained. His favorite part? Developing bonds with people. “When I got back from feeding a church in New Orleans, all the families in the church got together and sent me a huge Louisiana care package. Beignets, chicory coffee, t-shirts, and pictures. Just a thank you for me being down there. I developed all these friendships.” 

Jim and his family

35 Years of Service: Tammy Ritchie

Tammy with her grandchild

You can’t mention the Red Cross Blood Services in Kentucky without thinking about Tammy Ritchie. In many ways, the Red Cross and Tammy have grown up together. Tammy started with us as in her early 20’s. Her coworkers have seen her during times of milestones and celebrations; and grief and tragedies. We watched Tammy help her daughter, Shelby, through her first pregnancy and birth. We saw her elated when her son, Brandon, married his perfect match. We helped start the relationship with her best friend, Keith Wedding. He was a valued team member for 20 years before he passed suddenly in 2019. We supported her through mourning when her parents passed away within a few years of each other.

Our story began with Tammy in 1988. “I came to give blood for my dad. He needed open heart surgery… They asked for all his kids to come and donate blood for him; anyone that was his type. It was the first time I ever donated,” said Tammy. The nurse on staff asked what Tammy did for work. At that point, she was working at Jewish Hospital. The nurse encouraged her to come to Red Cross and she agreed. After her experience with her dad, she became a regular blood donor.

“I started out as a phlebotomist on the collections team and drew blood. I was in that position for about a year. I came to the Donor Resources Department and ran the call center… From there, I came into the role I’m in now, as an Account Manager,” said Tammy. Her job is to go out into the community and set up blood drives with churches, community leaders, businesses, etc. and educate about the need for blood.

Tammy with her husband
and grandchildren

Unfortunately, Tammy also knows what it’s like to be on the other side of donating blood. She had a scary morning after recovering from a routine surgery. “I woke up one morning fatigued and lifeless… I was a direct admit in the hospital after my doctor saw me. My hemoglobin was low. Because I worked for the Red Cross, I knew there was a need for blood, and I was nervous… Since we are on a national system for blood, we got the blood there in time. The blood was the medicine I needed,” Tammy reflected. She later found out she has a rare blood disease that destroys her blood cells.

It’s been 35 years, and Tammy is still a pillar for us. “I can go to bed and put my head on my pillow and say: I helped save lives today,” she said. As for her team? They consider her a compassionate and loving coworker. “She’s like our work mom. She’s a great team player and she is always there when we need her,” said Brooke Lee, Account Manager.

“Tammy is the epitome of historical expertise for our team. Every organization needs that person who brings knowledge of the legacy created. Tammy is that for us and she sets the standard high. She is also a kind and empathetic person,” said Pam Greer-Ullrich, Account Manager. Tammy views her team as incredible, and she loves the supportive environment. “We cover for each other, everything is focused on our hospital partners and meeting their patient’s needs. That is our job every day,” she said.

Her mission is to let people know the ways we save lives. “The Red Cross is called upon during times of disaster. We have a wonderful relationship with the military. We are all hands-on deck when the community needs blood,” said Tammy.

Student Blood Donor Encourages Others to Give Back

The University of Louisville has a rising star among their freshman class in Keegan Merrifield. Keegan started helping with the Jeffersonville High School blood drives during his freshman year. “I had this one teacher I had known since 7th grade. She was hosting the blood drives at school, and I started asking her questions about it… She offered for me to work and sign people in,” said Keegan. “And she said, you can donate too.”

Keegan at his graduation

Jeffersonville High School has a student led blood drive program through their InterACT club. The club is designed for the students to serve their school and community and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Clark County, IN. The club has over 100 active students engaging in recycling, food donations and leadership opportunities.

The first time Keegan donated blood, he was understandably nervous. “The Red Cross nurses were incredibly kind. All the nurses I have met have been,” said Keegan. “I sat there on my phone for about five minutes. It amazed me. I thought ‘this small thing is going to help 3 people.” He went on to say how easy and quick it was, and how it’s a form of community service.

“This is community service but it’s a different type. For this, you give your time and your body. It’s something you can’t make. Ever since then, it has stuck with me. I’ve been advocating to my family and friends saying, ‘you all have to do this,” said Keegan. Throughout his high school career, he volunteered at the blood drives checking donors in and greeting them. He also made it his personal goal to hit 1 gallon of blood donated before high school graduation.

Keegan achieved his goal of donating 1 gallon and is now looking forward to his future. He is a UofL Speed School Engineering student. One of his criteria for choosing a school was knowing the institution had a partnership with Red Cross. We were able to speak with Keegan’s mom, Crystal Merrifield, about her son and his servant’s heart.

“He’s always just made us proud. He’s always been a kindhearted and giving type of individual… [Red Cross] has become part of who he is. He takes me with him to donate blood. I don’t always have the iron levels to give, but when I can, he cheers me on… He’s known for a long time he wants to be an engineer- but this is his heart passion,” said Crystal. She went on to say that she loves that he has found his passion at such a young age.

In high school, Keegan was part of the National Honor Society and a member of marching and pep band. He plays the trumpet and is now a member of the UofL pep band. “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s sad I [had to] leave high school, but I know things will only get better at UofL. I will meet new people; it will be a new environment. I will grow,” said Keegan.

Keegan and his family

Join Keegan this holiday season by giving blood at our Holiday Hero Donorama Blood Drive blood drive Dec. 26-27 at the UAW Local 862 Union Hall in Louisville. Your donation may give patients more time – and more holidays – with loved ones. Make your appointment by visiting rcblood.org/2RfRf7r, downloading the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Crystal Gordon

If your health or career keeps you from being able to volunteer in person, we have plenty of virtual opportunities! Just ask Crystal Gordon, our Red Cross Region Disaster Casework Lead. “I got diagnosed on my 31st birthday in 2009 with Multiple Sclerosis… When I got my health straightened out, my friend pulled me into [volunteering with Red Cross]. She said ‘I think this would be a good fit. You don’t have to go anywhere; you can do it from home and a computer,” said Crystal.

Crystal has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Eastern Kentucky University. Her friend knew her skills would come in handy. She began volunteering in 2016 when Louisiana was getting overwhelmed with hurricanes and dangerous weather. “The Red Cross needed virtual casework workers. I went through the training,” said Crystal. She then started doing casework for the Red Cross Kentucky Region. “I started out helping people after home fires. Then I moved up to casework supervisor… I was the supervisor for the Louisville area.”

Crystal has been working to build a robust casework team ever since. “I have a wonderful casework team. We have strong support throughout the region. That makes a world of difference,” said Crystal. Where Crystal needs it, they cover for her. “On the days where the weather is going crazy, I know I’m going to be more susceptible to pain. [The team] understands. They step up and they help,” said Crystal.

She has trained her team to listen closely for the needs of families after a tragedy. “I try to be upbeat and encourage them to do what they can to help themselves. Some families say, ‘I don’t know where to start.’ You give them a starting point and a focus of what they can do. It helps them pull out of that overwhelming devastation mindset,” said Crystal. Crystal’s goal is to connect families after a disaster with financial assistance and getting a roof over their head.

“I’ve made people cry happy tears. I try to go above and beyond of what I can do. I try to get them the extra funding if it’s there. That’s the greatest feeling in the world,” said Crystal. “I’m there in their worst moment of their life... Sometimes I feel helpless, but I can try to be there for them. Try to get them some type of help. In that perspective, it makes me feel good. Most people can’t do that,” she said.

Crystal believes volunteering is a truly lifechanging thing. “I think it’s important to volunteer because it’s a different feeling… You can’t put words to it. The gratification and appreciation in a family’s voice after you help them is hard to describe. If more people volunteered, they would find a balance in their busy lives.”

In her free time, Crystal loves connecting with nature, reading, and spending time with her family. Crystal and her husband have been married for over 25 years. Her son, Austin, is getting married next year and they are excited to welcome Erin to their family. Crystal has 4 dogs and 2 cats and has been babysitting for a local family for 5 years.

Thank you, Crystal! Your work in Kentucky has helped families pick up the pieces of their home and rebuild.

Learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Cathy Palmer-Ball

Cathy, right. Photos courtesy Cathy Palmer-Ball.

Cathy Palmer-Ball has worked with the American Red Cross in some capacity for 17 years. She decided to volunteer with the Red Cross because its mission was close to her heart.

“The main thread running through all I do for Red Cross is that I've always been in a helping role during my career,” said Cathy. “[T]his enables me to continue that work. It lets me give back to our community and people in their time of need.”

A Louisville Area Chapter volunteer, Cathy started out in blood services. She was also a Board Chair and a member of the WHEELS program advisory board for 10 years before she paused her volunteer career to raise her children and work full-time.

When she returned to volunteering in 2017, she returned to blood services and began volunteering with disaster services as she was retiring from a career in Social Work. Cathy loves being an ambassador at blood drives, greeting donors, managing the schedule, signing volunteers in, and working in the canteen.

“The most interesting part of this role is meeting new people and getting to know them and to show appreciation for the great gift of their blood donation which is always in great need!” said Cathy.

Cathy volunteers in several ways as a disaster volunteer. She deploys to disasters across the country to help with feeding, sheltering, going door-to-door in disaster-impacted areas providing damage assessment, and driving an Emergency Response Vehicle when needed. Most recently, Cathy has become a part of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) and responds to home fires in the Louisville Area Chapter. She is also the regional volunteer lead for onboarding and placing new volunteers, and participates in Sound the Alarm events, where Red Crossers install smoke alarms and provide information on fire safety and prevention to residents.

One of the most memorable experiences Cathy has had with the Red Cross was when she was deployed for three weeks to a Wisconsin army base to work with refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

“It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and we made it work as we went,” said Cathy.

As the Onboarding/Placement Regional Volunteer Lead, Cathy encourages others to volunteer however they can. She recruits volunteers often, and points to being able to help people during a low point in their lives as a reason to volunteer.

“I'm proud to be a Red Cross volunteer and I respect all volunteers and staff for their dedication, hard work and commitment,” said Cathy. “I wish everyone in a position to do so, would volunteer in some capacity.”

When she isn’t volunteering with the Red Cross, Cathy enjoys hiking with her friends and her dog, reading mystery novels, and going to brunch with her mother, friends, and daughters. She loves nature photography, traveling, and volunteers with the children at the Norton Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Thank you, Cathy, for your compassion for others and your dedication to the Red Cross mission!

Learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Red Cross HBCU Ambassador Raises Awareness about Sickle Cell Disease

This Black History Month, we are honoring Black men and women whose contributions are essential to our humanitarian mission. #BlackHistoryMonth

Mikayla Lomax is a product of generational Black excellence in her family. Attending Kentucky State University (KSU), an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Mikayla is completing her nursing degree. “My family is big on choosing HBCU’s. Everybody in my entire family has gone to an HBCU and we just believe why not support schools that are made for you?” she said.

She chose KSU because it’s close to home and the university has an excellent nursing program. Mikayla is from Indianapolis, IN. She is a proud legacy member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) and Circle K- a group providing community service and promoting campus engagement.

“[AKA] is a family tradition. All the women in my family have been a part of this sisterhood. We prioritize service to mankind and good grades. It is a lifetime commitment,” said Mikayla. She loves the close-knit family environment provided by HBCU’s. She expressed that everyone who attends a HBCU knows that you will have these connections for life. “It’s a relief to come somewhere where your blackness is celebrated,” said Mikayla.

Mikayla was selected as a scholarship recipient for the American Red Cross HBCU ambassador program. To be selected, Mikayla went through an application and interview process. She then learned more about sickle cell disease and other blood diseases. “We learned why blood donation is important and what’s required to be an ambassador…And how to put on successful blood drives,” said Mikayla.

Mikayla is managing the recruitment of blood donors for the upcoming KSU blood drive on Wednesday, February 15th. The drive is open to the public and she hopes to recruit around 35 blood donors to attend. “I enjoy getting the sign ups! I tell people about the Amazon.com gift card. [If people are nervous about donating] I tell them it’s not going to take that long and to eat well and drink water,” said Mikayla.

It's important to Mikayla to raise awareness about sickle cell disease. “Going to an HBCU, [sickle cell] mainly effects people of color. You will always come across people who are affected by the disease or have the sickle cell trait. We need to know that the best blood for African Americans comes from African Americans,” she said.

Mikayla had the values of community service and volunteering instilled in her early on. “I’ve grown up with those principles. I was in Jack and Jill of America. You get what you give out. If you’re not willing to help others, how can you expect help when you need it?” She is living out those principles daily and helping people in her community. After graduation, Mikayla hopes to go into pediatric nursing.

Wherever she goes, we know Mikayla will soar! We are thankful for her efforts in the Red Cross HBCU ambassador program and look forward to watching her grow. If you are interested in attending the upcoming KSU blood drive, go to redcrossblood.org and enter keyword: KSUFrankfort. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, go to redcross.org/volunteer.

#MyStoryMonday: Ray Tillman

Ray (center) with Red Cross volunteers from Pennsylvania.
Photo credit: Ray Tillman

During a disaster, communication with loved ones is a top priority. Getting a simple message to your family that you are safe can mean the world to them. No one knows this better than Ray Tillman, Amateur Radio Liaison for the Red Cross. “I try to pick up new amateur radio hands to become volunteers. That way, if they are on deployment and they have a radio that’s capable, they can take it with them on deployment,” said Ray.

Ray is from Marion, Ohio and got involved with the Red Cross in 2014. He belonged to an amateur radio club that set up a station in Shepherdsville. The previous Red Cross Disaster Program Manager Mike Crenshaw told Ray they needed his skills. “They handed me a computer and said here you go,” explained Ray. Ray works with the area radio stations to communicate messages to the Red Cross.

“It comes in handy. When the tornadoes hit Western Kentucky, they drove people around for Damage Assessment. Driver would be amateur radio operator and would operate radio. They used them for a couple of days while the internet was out,” said Ray. You must be licensed to get on the radio and use different frequencies to communicate long distance. Amateur Radio Liaison’s take a go kit on a disaster response and can get ahold of someone who is monitoring the radio.

Photo credit: Ray Tillman

“I can be monitoring the radio and all of a sudden get a message from Cuba,” said Ray. He assisted a lot of people in Cuba over the Thanksgiving holiday and ended up helping the International Red Cross. That’s one of his favorite memories of being a volunteer. “It was a couple in Cuba that wanted to make contact with family in Louisville, Kentucky… It was after the hurricanes had hit there. It was a thrill to connect with the International Red Cross and help. Not many volunteers can say they have done that,” expressed Ray.

Not many volunteers would give up full days and holidays to help others, but Ray loves his work. When the hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, he was on the radio 24/7. “I still get messages from Puerto Rico because only about half of the island has communication. There are still parts with none at all,” said Ray. For areas like this, amateur radio is their only resource for communicating with loved ones.

Ray currently has a station set up at his house in his kitchen. It’s long hours but he stays stocked with a coffee maker, freezer, stove, and fridge nearby. If he ever loses power, he’s prepared with a backup generator. “I’ve got 1,000 watts that I can reach out and touch somebody,” commented Ray.

When disaster hits, Ray is up all-night monitoring storms and maps. “If there’s a tornado, I can follow that storm and know where it’s going. In the meantime, I’m listening to the radio to listen to comments coming out of affected areas to hear damages. People missing. I take that information and relay it to the Red Cross disaster team.”

Photo credit: Ray Tillman

This information helps the local disaster teams get prepared, because most likely we are not on the scene until the next day. We need time to mobilize, and Ray assists in that preparation. The first 48 hours is crucial in a disaster operation, and he helps bridge that gap.

Outside of radio efforts, Ray assists the Red Cross with other community programs. During Thanksgiving, he has helped pass out turkeys to families who had lost their homes. At Christmas parties, he’s assisted with passing out toys to kids. Ray has also responded to home fires in the local area.

Now 83 years young, Ray likes to fish and watch Ohio State athletics. He was in law enforcement for 12 years working in narcotics. He is a past President of the Bullitt Amateur Radio Society and plans to host ARRL Summer Field Day at the Louisville Red Cross office parking lot in June.

ARRL is the American Radio Relay League. Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the U.S. and Canada, according to ARRL.org. It’s held on the fourth full weekend in June. Ray has a team roster ready to camp out and practice their emergency response capabilities.

Volunteers like Ray inspire us to keep doing the hard work! We are so appreciative of his dedication to help families in the U.S. and other countries.

Learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer at redcross.org/volunteertoday

#MyStoryMonday: Mary Bennett

Mary Bennett, Louisville
Area Chapter volunteer

“I really like how there’s a sense of community within the Red Cross. The volunteers and employees seem to be a tight knit group.” Mary Bennett started volunteering after deadly flooding hit Eastern Kentucky in 2021. She assisted at the Hazard, Kentucky shelter for the day. She was immediately drawn to the mission and started investigating more opportunities to be involved with Red Cross.

Mary grew up in the local area in Meade County. She lived in Elizabethtown for 22 years and now lives in Spencer County with her husband, Byron, and their labradane dog, Nova. Mary has a daughter named Stefanie that lives in Hoboken, NJ. Mary and Byron both work at UPS and are hoping to retire in a couple of years. She currently works part time, so that gives her the opportunity to volunteer.

Mary is a member of our Disaster Action Team (DAT) and has responded to house fire calls. Our DAT team members are often the first to respond on scene during a disaster, helping provide support, supplies, water, and comfort. She is also a Blood Transportation Specialist, where she transports blood to local hospitals. “It’s important to volunteer because we should always be giving back and helping others,” said Mary.

Mary has been a blood donor since high school. She currently has her 8-gallon donation pin. Her father was diagnosed with lymphoma around 6 years ago and Mary donates platelets to give back to cancer patients. “I’ve donated more consistently in the past few years,” commented Mary.

Mary and Byron

In her free time, Mary enjoys playing golf with Byron, hiking, paddling, and walking Nova. She also likes to cook and commented that the Thanksgiving holiday is her favorite. Mary and Byron are co-team leaders at Southeast Christian Church Blankenbaker Campus in the children’s ministry. They assist with babies from birth until they are of walking age. They get the children checked in and help manage the 5 children’s rooms.

Mary commented on Byron’s generosity saying, “he makes sure all of our volunteers are taken care of.” Byron hopes to have more time in the coming years to tag team with Mary in her Red Cross volunteering efforts. They have been married for 20 years.

We are incredibly thankful for husband-and-wife teams like Mary and Byron! If you are interested in learning more about our DAT teams or becoming a blood transportation specialist, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Mary and Nova

Red Crossers Visited Communities Across Kentucky to Help #EndHomeFires for Sound the Alarm

A Red Crosser installs a smoke alarm
in a home in Madisonville, KY

This November, our Red Crossers visited communities across the Kentucky Region to make homes safer before the winter season by providing fire safety education and installing free smoke alarms in homes that needed them as part of our Sound the Alarm campaign. Thanks to the work of our volunteers and partners, we are proud to announce that we:

• Made 480 homes safer across Kentucky
• Installed more than 1,250 smoke alarms in homes that needed them
• Provided fire safety education to more than 1,200 of our neighbors

We are so thankful for the partners and supporters who made this possible! It is thanks to the efforts of our community that we could achieve our mission. Special thanks to Lexington Fire Department for their ongoing support of our Sound the Alarm campaign for the past several years.

Red Crossers prepare for a day of installing
smoke alarms in Eastern Kentucky

We would like to thank the following community partners for their help as we work to #endhomefires:

Western Kentucky Chapter

• Ohio Co. Fire Assoc.
• Ballard Co. FD
• Calloway FD
• Cuba FD
• Salem FD
• Goreville FD
• Alton Fire Department

South Central Kentucky Chapter:

• Franklin Simpson FD
• Glasgow FD

Bluegrass Area Chapter

• Corbin City FD
• Georgetown FD
• London City FD
• Madison Co. FD
• Nicholasville FD
• Shopville FD/Pongo FD
• Scott Co. FD
• Swiss Colony FD
• Winchester FD
• Woodford FD

Eastern Kentucky Chapter

• Cumberland City FD
• Harlan City FD
• Lynch FD
• Middlesboro FD
• Bath Co. FD
• Hazel Green FD
• Hazard City FD
• Lewis Co. EMA
• Menifee Co EMA
• Morehead City FD
• Benham FD
• Coon Creek FD

Louisville Area Chapter

• Pleasure Ridge Park FD
• Franklin Co. FD
• Simpsonville FD

A Life of Service

We want to take a moment to honor the life of Bob Adelberg. Bob was a husband, father, and Red Cross volunteer. He served his country as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Coast Guard Reserve. Bob was a member of the University of Louisville Athletics National Anthem Committee, held 7 minor principal roles for the Kentucky Opera, and served as Kentucky 3rd District Republican Chair from 1984-1990. 

Bob singing The Star-Spangled Banner
 at Slugger Field

We are privileged to have witnessed Bob’s commitment to giving back as he was a Red Cross volunteer for over 55 years. His impact on the community was undeniable and we will miss him. During his time volunteering, Bob saved at least 3 lives on separate occasions using CPR/First Aid, was a lifetime board member, and was a deserving recipient of many awards. Bob won the Red Cross Ina J. Porter Leadership award, the Seasoned Saint Volunteer Award, and the Volunteer Leadership award for Blood Services. He was a member of 8+ additional Board of Directors throughout his life.

Please join us in offering condolences to Bob’s family. We are thankful for the many years of service he gave to helping others.

Bob, heading out on an Emergency Response Vehicle to help
with feeding

Muhammad Ali Center Gives Back Through Blood Donation During Ali Festival

Muhammad Ali once said: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” These words lay the foundation for the Muhammad Ali Center (MAC). Located in Ali’s beloved hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, the MAC is dedicated to giving back to the community and being a beacon for social justice. “The staff here curate events and activities that Muhammad would be proud we are taking the lead on,” said Jeanie Kahnke, MAC senior director of public relations and external affairs.

Lonnie Ali, Ali Center

Opening in 2005, the Muhammad Ali Center operates from Muhammad’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. One way the MAC has given back to the community is through a partnership with the American Red Cross Kentucky Region to host blood drives. The center has committed to host blood drives twice a year. One in January around Muhammad’s birthday, and another in June during the Ali Festival. This year’s Ali Festival will be held during June 3rd through June 9th, 2022.

The annual Ali Festival started 6 years ago on June 3rd, 2016, when Muhammad passed away. Thousands of people from across the country gathered in Louisville to pay respects and remember Muhammad. They wanted to learn and feel close to him. 25,000 people gathered at the MAC that week. The Louisville Mayor designed activities to help people feel as if they are a part of the city and unify them. From there, the Ali Festival was born.

John Ramsey, Wave 3 News host and
friend of Muhammad Ali, donates blood
at the Ali Center

“One of Muhammad’s core principles was giving. Giving blood can save lives, and there is nothing more precious than life,” said Jeanie. The blood drive this past January had a great turnout with Lonnie Ali, Muhammad’s wife, and Marilyn Jackson, MAC President & CEO donating. The Red Cross Kentucky Region blood drive will be held on June 8th from 11AM-5PM located in View Pointe Hall at the Ali Center.

World Sickle Cell Day is June 19th, and Jeanie commented on the importance of doing the blood drive in June, saying, “Sickle cell disease affects a large proportion of African Americans. It’s important to raise awareness and provide education. We are happy to have the blood drive so close to World Sickle Cell Day, and we hope this amplifies the needs in the community.” Sickle Cell disease is caused by a patient’s red blood cells being hard and crescent moon shaped instead of soft and round. This causes tremendous amount of pain for patients, and they require frequent blood transfusions throughout the span of their lifetime. This disease predominately effects the Black community.

When asked about the importance of giving back to others, Jeanie said, “There’s so much sadness and tragedy in the world right now. Everything is changing so fast. We can and should do our part to make this community as close and good as we can.” We are proud to partner with the Muhammad Ali Center and you can sign up for an appointment at our blood drive by going to redcrossblood.org.

The Ali Festival will feature a week full of family friendly events and activities. To check out the full list of events, head to the Ali Festival website.

Volunteer Appreciation Month: Jeff Backus

Jeff Backus is a passionate Tennessee Volunteers sports fan who has been married to his wife for 9 years. He loves gardening and singing in his church choir at St. Agnes. Jeff is a volunteer for the American Red Cross Kentucky Region as a Blood Donor Ambassador. He began his volunteering in the spring of 2020.

Originally from east Tennessee, Jeff has been in Louisville for 12 years. Unfortunately, Jeff knows firsthand about the need for blood because he is a two-time cardiac arrest survivor. “I was walking near Cherokee Park on both cardiac arrests. Both times, bystanders came and gave me CPR,” explained Jeff. “I am someone who needed blood. I had to have a double bypass surgery after the first cardiac arrest… I received about 4 units of blood.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeff was looking for volunteer work. However, there weren’t many organizations needing volunteers due to the shutdowns. Thankfully, Jeff reached out to the American Red Cross Kentucky Region about volunteer opportunities. He now attends 3-4 blood drives per week and runs the registration table. “The best thing is meeting people. Getting to know the [Red Cross] staff. I have a great relationship with just about all of them,” said Jeff.

Before his cardiac arrests, Jeff was a regular blood donor. He remembers giving his first donation in 1978. After moving to Louisville, he gave platelets on a regular basis. “Giving platelets takes longer but I loved doing it. In the fall or winter, I’d plan my donation on days where there were football or basketball games. I’d sit there and watch them during my donation,” said Jeff.

While sharing his story, Jeff was preparing for his weekend to be recognized as a cardiac arrest survivor. He was taking his wife to the event. Jeff and his wife will be celebrating 10 years of marriage in June, and they plan on taking a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the Smokies. “We spent our honeymoon there, so we are going back! I’m pretty sure we are staying in the same place as well,” explained Jeff. Dollywood is one of Jeff’s favorite places and said it’s everything it’s cracked up to be!

Jeff commented on the importance of having a healthy blood supply, saying “I just can’t imagine in an emergency. A wreck or accident. You show up and they could be like: ‘there’s nothing we can do. We don’t have your blood type.” Jeff went on to say that it’s not just about blood, it’s the 3 components that are important too. A single donation can be separated into platelets, plasma, and red blood cells for patients in need.

This month, we are celebrating and recognizing our amazing volunteers! Thank you, Jeff, for being a volunteer. Your story is inspiring, and you help so many people through your work. You can find out how to become a Red Cross volunteer by going to RedCross.org #VolunteerAppreciationMonth

Seth's Squad Blood Drive

Seth is a 7-year-old kindergartner at Mount Washington Elementary School who loves Star Wars characters and the University of Louisville Cardinals. When Seth was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with Leukemia and has relapsed 4 times since then. Seth has received over 200 blood transfusions during his treatments.

 
Seth is currently undergoing a clinical trial and receiving 3 transfusions per week. He has received 2 bone marrow transplants and 2 CAR-T transfusions. Seth’s family is hosting the 2nd annual “Seth’s Squad” blood drive in his honor. Their hope is to donate back to the hospitals the amount of blood products Seth has received.

Join us on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022, from 1pm-7pm at Calvary Christian Center in Mount Washington, KY for our Seth’s Squad Blood Drive. Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help celebrate a person’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to a loved one.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Grandson Honors Grandfather and Red Cross Volunteer through Memorial Blood Drive

Communities across the country count on the Red Cross for help every day – and supporting those communities is at the heart of our mission. Lee Taylor, a late volunteer with the Louisville Area Chapter Red Cross, spent his life giving back to his community.

By day, Lee was a firefighter with the Louisville Fire Department – a role he held for 36 years. He went on to be a Battalion Chief until his retirement in 1996. As a Red Cross volunteer, Lee assisted others in his community and around the country. He deployed nationally to disasters like hurricanes, and responded locally to home fires in the Louisville Area to offer comfort and hope to people in need. He was also an avid blood donor, and donated around 40 gallons over the course of 52 years.

Lee Taylor (right) with grandson Javier

In honor of Lee’s service to the community and dedication to the Red Cross mission, his grandson, 16-year-old Javier Bernard, is hosting a blood drive in his memory at First Christian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana. 

“Pappy battled bladder cancer for 4 years and received blood products during his treatment and surgery,” said Javier. “This is my way of honoring him and giving back to my community.”

This blood drive also holds a special significance as Javier’s final step in becoming an Eagle Scout.

“[Lee] is the reason I got involved with scouts,” said Javier. “He used to take me to my meetings at First Christian Church. He helped me with several of my projects and merit badges. My Pappy was an avid blood donor and I want to honor him.”

To Javier, Lee Taylor was a titan in his community. For this reason, Javier is calling the blood drive the “Taylor’s Titans” Memorial Blood Drive. The drive has a goal of 75 units of blood, but Javier wants to fill as many appointment slots as possible in honor of his grandfather and hopes that firefighters, first responders, Boy Scouts and Red Cross volunteers will roll up a sleeve to donate.

“Through this drive, Pappy’s memory lives on,” said Javier.

Taylor’s Titans Memorial Blood drive will be held at First Christian Church at 3209 Middle Road, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 on November 13 from 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM. The drive is open to the public and donors are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or downloading the free Blood Donor App.

Blood Donor Highlight: Malisa and Stephen

Stephen and Malisa have been making Power Red donations together every four months since they got married. Malisa began donating blood after she married Stephen, while Stephen began donating in high school.

"We come [donate] together,” said Malisa. “It’s our date day.”

Power Red donations are similar to whole blood donations, except a special machine is used to allow donors to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning their plasma and platelets.

Stephen’s blood type is O+. When asked why he donates, he replied “The need is there. I’ve had parents, grandparents in hospitals. The need is high.”

Malisa has type B- blood—a rarer blood type—and donates because she wants to help others.

“It’s quick and easy to do something small,” Malisa said. “I don’t consider it big, but someone else will.”

As of September ‘21, Stephen has donated 64 units of blood, and Malisa has donated 18 units since she started using the Red Cross Blood Donor app to track her donations.

The Red Cross national blood inventory is the lowest it’s been at this time of year since 2015. There’s an immediate need for blood donations, especially type O, as well as platelets to help overcome an emergency shortage. If you’re feeling well, please roll up a sleeve and donate. Sign up at rcblood.org/donate.

Volunteer Spotlight: Mike Sewell

Mike Sewell is no stranger to the American Red Cross or to disaster services. Since he began volunteering with the Louisville Area Chapter in 2009, Mike has taken on a variety of roles. He has provided disaster and home fire safety education as a Community Preparedness member, responded to home fires and other local disasters as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member, taught other volunteers as a disaster services instructor and has assisted in running shelters during disaster responses.

Mike (left) receiving a Volunteer of the Year award
from Steve Cunanan, Kentucky Region CEO

Mike has volunteered for more than 12,400 hours on disaster responses alone. Just a few of his deployments include assisting with flood relief efforts in Illinois in 2013 and participating in the 2017 Eclipse Readiness exercise, as well as assisting locally in Kentucky and southern Indiana with flooding, tornados and winter storms.

He also deployed for over 6 months to Louisiana in 2020 and 2021 to assist with recovery efforts after hurricanes Laura and Maria, which exceeded the two weeks of time volunteers typically commit when they deploy to a disaster. Mike puts those who need help and the Red Cross mission, above all else. He is a true representation of delivering the Red Cross mission, prioritizing the urgent needs of people impacted by disasters, and alleviating human suffering.

Interested in becoming a part of our Disaster Action Team? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more.

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Susan Carter

As part of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting some of the volunteers who work behind the scenes every day to help support the mission of the American Red Cross!

Susan is a Louisville Area Chapter disaster volunteer from Carroll County. Her introduction to the Red Cross came in 2015, after a tornado touched down in Jefferson County, IN where she worked.

“The local county executive was a woman I had worked with before and I wanted to help,” said Susan. “So I volunteered and started to train.”

Now as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer, Susan has most recently been responding virtually to home fires. Last November she also deployed for the first time to a national disaster response in New Orleans where she assisted with damage assessment.

For Susan, the most interesting part of volunteering is getting to talk to the people she assists.

“People are so different and yet so much the same,” said Susan. “I think the different ways people respond to fires and the upheaval and loss they experience would surprise most people.”

Susan believes it’s important for others to volunteer to help continue to carry the mission of the Red Cross forward.

Our Red Cross volunteers are community heroes who give their time to help others. Join their ranks and be part of our lifesaving work! Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find an opportunity near you.

My Story Monday: Gillian Coffey - Volunteer Services Screener

Our volunteers are always ready to respond, whether by offering support when disaster strikes, helping with lifesaving blood collection or working behind the scenes to support our vital mission.

Gillian joined the American Red Cross as a Louisville Area Chapter volunteer because she “wanted to be useful in a time when so many feel helpless”. As an immunocompromised person, Gillian was limited in the scope of how she could reach others in a COVID-19 environment. When she reached out to the Red Cross, she found that she had options for volunteering during the pandemic. 

“I lucked out in being placed in [the] Volunteer Screening Team,” said Gillian. “In this role, I feel as though I am able to connect people with the positions that excite their philanthropic inclinations.”

Red Cross Volunteer Screeners speak with people who are interested in becoming volunteers to understand what brings them to the Red Cross. They learn about their interests and what positions they might find most meaningful, and use this information to help match volunteers with opportunities within the Red Cross.

“Talking with these folks is a constant reminder of all the good in this world, and it is an honor to usher these lovely people to their futures at [the] American Red Cross.”

Thank you, Gillian, for everything you do! 

You can learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer by visiting redcross.org/volunteertoday.

My Story Monday: Maureen Keithley – Volunteer Services Screener

Our volunteers are always ready to respond, whether by offering support when disaster strikes, helping with lifesaving blood collection or working behind the scenes to support our vital mission.

Maureen joined the Red Cross as a Louisville Area Chapter volunteer after retiring from University of Wisconsin Education Research, Madison in 2019.

For years, Maureen has been a blood donor in Illinois and Kentucky. Now she also volunteers with the Red Cross a couple times a week by working with our Volunteer Services department as a Volunteer Screener. Red Cross Volunteer Screeners speak with prospective volunteers to understand what brings them to the Red Cross. They learn about their areas of interest and what positions they would find most meaningful, and use this to help match the volunteer with the needs of the organization.

“I love extending Red Cross gratitude to newbies, as well as helping them find an avenue for Red Cross service too.”

Thank you, Maureen, for all you do!

You can learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer by visiting redcross.org/volunteertoday.

National Volunteer Week: Louisville Area Chapter

We’re halfway through National Volunteer Week! For Wednesday, we bring you some inspiration from the Louisville Area Chapter:

NATHAN FOSTER, Louisville. “I like helping people through teaching and enabling them to do their jobs better and more efficiently.”

Nathan has been a Red Crosser since he was a lifeguard and lifeguard trainer in college, eventually becoming a volunteer CPR/AED/First Aid instructor. His roles today are mainly “behind the scenes”, and he loves supporting the front line volunteers and staff through his vast knowledge in Information Technology. 

LINDA BECK, Louisville. “Years ago, we lost touch with my brother who was in Vietnam, and the Red Cross helped us make contact with him while he was hospitalized. Since that time, I planned and dreamed of helping in some way with this organization.” 

The opportunity finally presented itself with tornadoes in Oklahoma in 2013, and Linda became a Red Cross volunteer. Over the years, she has held positions in sheltering, casework, and disaster services, and presently is serving as the Direct Services Regional Program Lead, having found her true calling helping others through disaster recovery. She is not only a valuable asset to the Kentucky Region, but is frequently called upon by other regions to fulfill interim disaster positions.

Nathan (center right) and Linda (center left) participating
in the 2019 Shaken Fury earthquake preparedness exercise

CORDEN PORTER, Louisville. "The Red Cross gives me the opportunity to serve our community. I love the relationships I have made and especially love helping with Blood Services.” 

Corden is a long time Louisville Area Chapter Board member, an Executive Committee member, and also serves as the Chairman on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is an avid blood donor and works tirelessly through his community and work contacts as a Resource Development volunteer.

Our Red Cross volunteers are community heroes who give their time to help others. Join their ranks and be part of our lifesaving work! Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find an opportunity near you.