American Red Cross

Gabriela Gehrke has lived around the world and speaks not one — but six — languages. She used her diverse viewpoints and skillset to support our lifesaving mission as a volunteer, an experience that helped propel her career. Born and raised in Mexico City, Gabriela's native tongue is Spanish. Because her mother emigrated from Italy to Argentina after World War II, she also learned to speak Italian at home. On top of that, Gabriela started attending English speaking schools when she was in kindergarten. She expanded her language skills after earning a French language scholarship in 1999 in l'Aliance Française of Mexico City. Gabriela later learned German in 2006 before studying applied physics in Germany in 2008, and Swedish in 2018, which landed her first freelancing translation job in 2022. In 2023, Gabriela started searching for volunteer opportunities in the U.S. She struggled to find a role that aligned with her interests and values. But there was hope after she found an opening on our volunteer translation team. "When I came across the Red Cross opening, it was the perfect match," Gabriela said. "I thought of that opportunity as the best way not only to put my linguistic skills to use, but also to help convey a humanitarian message." She started as a volunteer translator and proofreader, working her way up to a senior position in just two weeks. As a leader, she shared her translation services industry expertise and project management ideas to strengthen her team. In less than five months, Gabriela broke her team's record of hours volunteered: nearly 740. Her deep understanding of the power of accessible, compassionate communication motivated her to do the work every day. "Humanity is a value I believe is required now more than ever, especially after coming from Europe and experiencing the outbreak of the Syrian civil war and then the Ukraine-Russian conflict," Gabriela said. "Seeing and reliving all that suffering firsthand was a wake-up call for more compassion." Gabriela found a chance to grow even further with the Red Cross after a full-time position for a Multicultural Communications Specialist opened. A trusted colleague gave her the encouragement she needed to apply, and she landed the job. "Working for the Red Cross has been rewarding on many levels," Gabriela said. "It helped me ease my transition to the U.S., make new acquaintances and allows me to use my skills, and share my knowledge with others." We are incredibly grateful for dedicated Red Crossers like Gabriela who help us connect our mission to more communities every day. 🫶🏽 If Gabriela's Red Cross journey inspires you, learn how you can get involved in the comments.

This answer might shock you. ⚡️ Tell us you know how you'd protect yourself from lightning storms by responding to this poll. We'll come back tomorrow to share the correct answer.

Mark Munson donated blood for 50 years. Then he found himself in need. A motorcyclist for 40 years with no accidents or citations on his record, the 70-year-old went through the unimaginable when he was struck head-on by an SUV last year, just four miles from his home. “The motorcycle was totaled, and I was very nearly totaled,” Mark said. “You can’t think about the ‘what ifs,’ but if I had been 15 seconds later, this never would have happened.” Mark was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries: A broken vertebrae in his neck, a broken back, a broken leg, a broken rib, and a ruptured spleen. His situation was dire — he was bleeding internally and needed blood. Five units of blood and two units of plasma saved his life. “If [the donated blood] had not been there, we would not be having this conversation,” Mark said. “I know that now firsthand. Before my accident, the notion of blood donation was an abstract concept. It’s not abstract anymore. Now, it’s absolute. “I’m walking, talking. It’s quite remarkable that I’m still here. It just emphasizes how important it is to donate when you can, because if you don’t need it, somebody else does.” After the accident, he mastered physical therapy and relearned to walk — first with a walker, then a cane, and eventually, unassisted. Then came occupational therapy and returning to work in his 9th season with the Portland Sea Dogs. The Sea Dogs teamed up with the American Red Cross of Northern New England in April to host a blood drive at the ballpark. For the first time since his accident, Mark was able to donate blood, adding his donation to the 36 units collected at the blood drive. “It feels like my recovery journey is now complete," he said. "I am back to doing everything that I need or want to do. For me, having the ability and the opportunity to donate again feels triumphant.”

Join us on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 2:30 p.m. ET for a live discussion with Trevor Riggen, President of Humanitarian Services at the American Red Cross, and Anna Bard, Senior Vice President of the Wells Fargo Foundation. During this live conversation, Trevor and Anna will talk about how volunteers power the critical work we do and how partners like Wells Fargo help us deliver our lifesaving mission through employee volunteerism.

"Every death is a profound loss for the communities we serve, leaving fewer trained hands to care for those in need." In this The New York Times op-ed, Kate Forbes shares our plea to protect humanitarians. This year is on track to be the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers, and it's time for violence against them to stop. https://rdcrss.org/3Xi6HBf

Trish DeDolce knows firsthand how the Red Cross helps families. When her family experienced a devastating home fire in 2008, our disaster volunteers showed up to help. Trish is now paying that kindness and compassion forward as a volunteer herself. Trish began her volunteer journey in 2020 by delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals and greeting donors at blood drives. This experience helped her become the volunteer engagement leader she is today. "One of the many wonderful aspects of the Red Cross is their deep appreciation for any amount of time volunteers can give," Trish said. "No pressure, only gratitude." Trish is just one of the dedicated volunteers you can meet during our upcoming virtual Volunteer Information Session. Learn more in the comments. ⬇️

Stephen Funk experienced cardiac arrest while driving on a busy highway. If it weren't for the person driving behind him, this devoted dad and husband may not be alive today. Stephen drove himself to the hospital for what he thought was bad indigestion. That's when he went into cardiac arrest behind the wheel, causing his car to slam into a barrier multiple times. An off-duty firefighter on the road saw what happened and pulled over to help. Firefighter and EMT Keith Still called 911, pulled Stephen out of the car, and immediately started CPR. Seven additional bystanders, including members of the National Guard and a former police officer, stepped in to help save Stephen's life. “I remember leaving the house, and then I woke up in the hospital about three weeks later,” Stephen said. After more than two weeks in a medically induced coma, Stephen made a full recovery and reunited with his family. The eight individuals, who Stephen calls his heroes, were honored by the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region with Lifesaving Awards for their incredible actions. “The biggest reward is seeing Stephen interact with his wife and kids,” Keith said. “That’s truly the coolest thing in the world.” #LifesavingAward

Sometimes paint can speak louder than words, especially when trying to raise awareness about the dangers of extreme heat. The American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region recently teamed up with Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and a local artist to paint a mural in their Silver Spring, Maryland office. The mural features environmental justice pioneers and highlights heat preparedness and reduction measures that communities can take to become more resilient — like creating green spaces and spending time in the shade. How many heat resilience measures do you spot in the first photo? Share your response below and we’ll come back tomorrow with the answer.

Did you know the Red Cross supports a dental assistant training program? "I am absolutely afraid of the dentist," said Natasha Stevens-Cintron, a trainee in the Allen Dental Clinic at Fort Sill. "It's a place that I would rather not be." Natasha relocated to Oklahoma with her husband, who serves in the U.S. Army. The move meant resigning from her job and looking for new opportunities. Despite her fear of the dentist's chair, she pursued the free dental assistant training we offer military spouses. “It’s been full of structure. I have somewhere to go Monday through Friday and some Saturdays. But it’s been fun," Natasha said. "It’s nice having something to look forward to and gaining skills that I know I can use for years to come.” After graduating from the program, Natasha will be able to work in dental clinics at other military installations or within private dental practices. #DentalAssistant #MilitarySpouse

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