Recipient and Donor Spotlight: Elizabeth Valentine-Adler

 In 2014, Elizabeth Valentine-Adler experienced childbirth complications with her son, Sam, and lost a significant amount of blood, requiring a blood transfusion.

"I had just had my third baby and had two other little boys at home that needed me to recover, come home, love and take care of them,” said Elizabeth. “I couldn't believe how incredibly weak and awful I felt before the transfusion when all I wanted was to be cuddling and bonding with my new baby.”

Prior to needing blood, Elizabeth never thought of those on the receiving end of blood donations. Halfway through her transfusion she felt like a brand-new person. “I told myself at some point down the road I would give blood as a way of giving back,” she said.

Now, seven years after her transfusion, she is donating blood for others and is encouraging other people to think of people like her who count on donations.

“I am so thankful for the generosity of blood donors who allowed me to get better,” she said. “Your commitment and willingness to take the time is lifesaving.”

Recipient Spotlight: Rachel Adams

Shortly after Rachel Adams’ first birthday she developed a rare autoimmune disease called familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. It causes white blood cells to become overactive, attacking all other blood cells. Rachel underwent numerous chemotherapy treatments while waiting for a bone marrow transplant. She received the transplant at 2 years old and had 298 lifesaving blood transfusions before her third birthday. 

As a teenager, Rachel learned it was unlikely she would ever be able to have a baby because of the medical treatments she received as a child. After six years of marriage to her husband, Colby, Rachel got the amazing news that she was pregnant. Due to her chronically low platelet count, Rachel required two blood transfusions during her daughter Brinley’s delivery, bringing her lifetime transfusion total to an even 300. 

When Rachel and Colby look into Brinley’s eyes, they can’t help but think of the hundreds of donors whose selfless generosity have brought them to this happy place in their lives. 

“Complete strangers gave me a second chance at life, people I will never know and never be able to properly thank,” said Rachel. “I want everyone reading this to know how blood donations change lives, answer prayers and bring about miracles. Words could never capture the gratitude I owe.”

Red Cross Partners with Community Organizations for Long-Term Flood Recovery

Disaster services still available in local communities    

[NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2021] — The American Red Cross is partnering with community organizations to help families plan their next steps for long-term recovery from the flood.  

“The Red Cross is proud to continue our commitment to support affected families through our casework process as we move on to this phase of recovery,” said Joel Sullivan, Executive Director of the Tennessee Region. “As an immediate relief organization, the Red Cross couldn’t be prouder to work with the many community organizations and civic groups stepping up to help their neighbors connect with community services and agency resources available to them.”   

Anyone with disaster-caused, emergency needs can still speak with the Red Cross at  1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767). In addition, resources are available to anyone online at www.redcross.org, including  Red Cross Tips for Recovering Emotionally from a Disaster and Disasters and Financial Planning, A Guide for Preparedness and Recovery.  

During the past three weeks, more than 150 Red Cross disaster workers from Tennessee and from around the country have helped with relief efforts in-person and virtually. 

Red Cross Disaster Relief Highlights:  

·        Damage Assessment: Volunteer Teams assessed damage to more than 920 homes and helped identify emergency needs in 19 counties. Their collective efforts showed more than 480 homes destroyed or with major damage in middle Tennessee. Damage assessment helps open doors for Red Cross and partner assistance. 

·        Food and Shelter: Since March 25, the Red Cross provided more than 3,480 overnight stays for dozens of displaced families, utilizing hotel partnerships to lodge clients. Nearly 13,000 restaurant meals were packaged and delivered there daily. Water and snacks were also available at the hotels, through mobile distribution in hard-hit areas and at community supply sites.   

·        Casework and Direct Services: So far, caseworkers have connected with more than 230 families – more than 620 people – to discuss their emergency needs and provide resources, referrals, and assistance with recovery plans. Follow-up with these families will continue while others in need of help may still reach out.  Health, Mental Health and Spiritual Care volunteers made more than 1,540 contacts to help with replacement glasses and prescriptions, emotional support, coping skills and other essentials. 

·        Emergency Supplies: More than 610 households received emergency supplies such as rakes, tarps, work gloves, trash bags and other items to help with clean-up and repairs. Emergency supplies were also shared with volunteers at community distribution sites.  

·       Emergency Partners: The Red Cross aligned closely with government partners, providing liaisons for state and affected county Emergency Operation Centers. We also worked side-by-side with numerous volunteer organizations active in disaster, faith-based and non-profit groups, foundations, and the private sector to match people in need with partner resources.   

 How People Can Help:  

Help people affected by spring tornadoes and floods by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the words STORMS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.  

Help refuel the blood supply!

The American Red Cross is calling for donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, to race to give blood or platelets and help refuel the blood supply. 

This spring, the Red Cross is teaming up with INDYCAR® to urge people to help keep the blood supply on track by donating blood or platelets. Schedule a donation appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

 

As a special thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets April 1-15, 2021, will automatically be entered to win a VIP trip for four to the 2022 Indianapolis 500®. The Red Cross will also automatically enter all who come to give in April for a chance to win one of five $1,000 e-gift cards to a merchant of choice. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Indy500.

 

The need for blood doesn’t take a pit stop

When seconds count in the race to save lives, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps most. More donors are needed now to help ensure hospitals are ready to respond to the needs of patients this month.

 

Every day – even during a pandemic – patients like Ashley Byers rely on lifesaving blood products. In April 2016, Byers experienced a life-threatening pregnancy complication and required 121 units of blood as doctors fought to save her life.

 

“Without blood donations, I would not have survived the medical emergency I experienced after giving birth to my daughter,” said Byers. “As was seen with my situation, a single emergency can cause a massive shortage of blood products. I, along with my family, am truly grateful to all of the blood donors, the American Red Cross and the amazing medical team who saved my life.”

Shelter Resident to Red Cross Volunteer: Dianne Dennis’ Journey

By Cindy Huge, American Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer

“I saw how American Red Cross volunteers listened and cared about me and I wanted to be a member of their team,” reflects Dianne Dennis, shelter resident.

Dennis was displaced from her apartment building following a tornado that struck the town of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The roof of her apartment complex had completely torn off and residents were unable to return until repairs and inspections were completed. 

In need of a safe place to temporarily stay, Dennis turned to Red Cross who issued assistance in the form of sheltering for her and her neighbors. She spent the next 2 weeks at the shelter and was so impressed with the comfort and care that she received that after returning home, she signed up for Red Cross training classes.

A few months after her training was completed, a call went out that volunteers were needed in Oregon, following a large wildfire. Dennis quickly responded to the call and was on her way to her first deployment. This was her opportunity to provide those evacuated the comfort and care she received.

Recently Dennis was called to help in Tennessee, following a large apartment fire, and without hesitation she responded. Her devotion to others is quite evident in how compassionately she speaks about her work with the American Red Cross. 

When Dennis returns home, she will once again, wrap herself in the Red Cross blanket she saved from her shelter stay. The blanket is a reminder of the comfort she was given in her time of need, following a disaster.

Lori Nieves: Volunteer Extraordinaire

Story by Cindy Huge, American Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer

Lori Nieves, American Red Cross volunteer, makes getting to yes an easy task. Her client centered attitude is obvious to those whom she interacts with.

“I am here to help the clients in their recovery,” states Nieves, as she sits at the table on back patio of the client’s hotel, assisting them with their needs. 

Nieves, a 9-year volunteer, has deployed to assist in over 40 disasters, and always is the first one to step up and help. Going the extra mile to make sure a client’s recovery goes smoothly is what Nieves is best at. 

A recent evacuee from a large apartment fire in Chattanooga need to be placed in a hotel near the bus line. This was important for him to be able to continue to get to his job. Nieves recognized this and made sure this client was properly placed. She then went made the extra effort to meet with the client and help connect him to community resources. This is just what she does…….and does very well……with such ease. 

Apartment Fire Resident Thankful for the Red Cross

Story by Cindy Huge, Public Affairs Volunteer

“I don’t know what I would have done without the American Red Cross.” Mark Campbell is thankful for the help that the American Red Cross has given him. 

A mid-morning fire broke out in the 12-story apartment building where Campbell has lived for the past 10 years. “I heard people screaming to get out and fire alarms going off. I ran out of my apartment and used the stairway to exit. I had to make my way through what seemed like 2 feet of water and then I fell as I was running away from the building. Medical personnel on the scene took me to the hospital for treatment and when I was discharged, I had nowhere to go,” Campbell recalled.

Campbell then called his neighbor and he suggested to come to the hotel where Red Cross was offering a safe place to stay. Tired and hungry, smelling of smoke and soot and wearing only the clothes he had on, Campbell made his way to the hotel. There he found Red Cross disaster volunteers who greeted him with kindness and warmth. After evaluating his needs, the volunteers provided him a room at the hotel and a hot meal.  

All this was made possible, it was explained, by the generosity of the American people who donate to the American Red Cross. “I ran out of my apartment with only the clothes on my back and my shoes in my hand. I left behind everything," Campbell recalls, when remembering how he fled for his life. “I don’t know what I would have done if it were not for the Red Cross. Everyone is so kind and helpful. They even are providing 3 meals a day and they check on me to make sure I am doing okay.” 

Volunteer Spotlight: Stacey Lyness

“Anytime I can be out in the community to serve, in any capacity, is a privilege”

When the call went out for American Red Cross volunteers to help, Stacey Lyness stepped up, just like she has done in the past 2 years. 

Lyness is deployed to help distribute cleaning supplies to those affected by the recent flooding. She has worked closely with her team and community partners to coordinate transport of the supplies to those in need.

“It was wonderful to see the community come together to help one another,” said Lyness. While distributing the clean up kits she noticed that how appreciative everyone was for the items needed, to begin the task of cleaning up their homes.

Her daughter recently reminded her of a comment she made many years ago. While watching the TV a story came on about Red Cross volunteers and Lynesss said, “One of these days I am going to be one of those people.” And now she is!

Story by Cindy Huge, American Red Cross, Public Affairs Volunteer.

Photo by Tally Bevis, American Red Cross Volunteer. 

American Red Cross of Tennessee Disaster Response Update: Spring Storm Damage and Flooding Response

April 5, 2021

American Red Cross disaster responders from across Tennessee and the nation continue to provide relief items and comfort for people impacted by spring storms and flooding last week. The flooding on March 27 added to the issues caused by the March 25 high winds and tornado damage to middle Tennessee. The Red Cross is providing services in 19 counties impacted by the storms.  

Disaster Recovery Updates:  

• 114 Red Cross disaster trained responder volunteers are on the ground providing support and damage assessment to homes and meeting immediate recovery needs of the people affected 

• Red Cross has provided overnight stays for more than 323 individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed 

• Red Cross is working closely with local officials, community partners, and Emergency Management Agencies to address community needs  

• More than 1900 clean-up kits have been delivered to those in need  

• More than 4690 meals have been served to clients along with our community partners in middle Tennessee. 

“This is the first full week of recovery following the storms and our teams are finding areas every day that still need help,” Joel Sullivan, regional executive director for the Red Cross of Tennessee Region said. “Our volunteers have canvassed many neighborhoods, some that had minor damages from the storms, and others that are a total loss. We are here to serve all in these communities.”

Spring storm season is still very active. Preparedness before, action during and knowledge after storms is critical. The American Red Cross offers a free emergency app from the app store that can send emergency updates that may save lives.

Simply download the Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open shelters, and expert advice on what to do after a disaster. The Emergency App is available for free in-app stores by searching “American Red Cross” or going to redcross.org/apps.

If you are interested in learning about volunteering with the Red Cross, or to make a financial donation, check out RedCross.org/Tennessee or call 1-800-Red Cross. You can also text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Photo by Tally Bevis/American Red Cross.

Answering the Call to Help Others in Need

By Cindy Huge, American Red Cross, Public Affairs Volunteer

Two years ago, an email sent to the students at Southern Adventist University put into action a series of life changing experiences for Courtney Calvert.

Calvert responded to that email offering any student interested the opportunity to be trained in sheltering by the American Red Cross. This seemed like a perfect way to help her community during a disaster. Little did she know that this choice would lead to her pursuing a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management.

Calvert’s first call to respond was to help in the recovery phase following a disaster in Nashville. She eagerly agreed, and thus began Calvert’s journey as a volunteer into the American Red Cross. She would continue to volunteer to assist in many disasters.

When the Red Cross was looking for someone to take the task as a Sheltering Lead following a massive apartment fire, they didn’t have to look to far-Courtney Calvert was willing and able to help. She was in her final few months of completing her Master’s Degree and felt the experience would prepare her well to understand the workings of Emergency Management. 

As the Sheltering Lead, Calvert’s task was to coordinate housing, drawing from an inventory list of available rooms from local hotels, for approximately 150 clients. She was also responsible for arranging and coordinating the procurement of 3 meals a day for each of the clients and arranging their delivery to the hotels. In addition to all this, she also was also arranging for nursing care for those who lost medications, arranging counselors to be available to speak with and support those affected, and offering the services of the spiritual care teams to those in need. 

Treating clients like family members is what makes volunteers, like Courtney Calvert, so very valuable. Her willingness to set aside any of her own daily tasks and step forward to help others is quite evident in the passion she displays in every task she is asked to do. If this means working to late in the day, Calvert is happy to do so.

“A listening ear is very important as a volunteer. Many times, the clients just need someone to help them navigate through this difficult time. People fled their homes with nothing, not even their medications, and if I can connect them with a Red Cross nurse to replace their needed medications, then I’m honored to be doing that. This is what I am here for, to help people in their time of need.” said Calvert.

The American Red Cross seeks volunteers who are willing to help their community in times of disaster. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteer and take that first step to help your neighbors.

Nashville Volunteer Humbled by Time Spent Serving Others in Need

Debra Alexander Fisher responding
to the March 3, 2020 tornadoes in
Nashville.

For more than a decade, Debra Fisher has been volunteering with the American Red Cross. Her first taste of disaster volunteering was after Hurricane Katrina. Today, she is still a disaster volunteer, and public affairs volunteer serving in Nashville, Tennessee following torrential rains and flooding in middle Tennessee.

A typical response day can be long, but Fisher doesn’t mind. She knows what she does is making a difference for those who are dealing with huge life challenges. “I traveled with the American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle this week that was equipped with cleaning kits and water for people affected by the floods in Davidson and Rutherford counties,” she said. “We arrived at sites in Franklin, Smyrna and South Nashville where all the residents of each location were very appreciative of our assistance. However, the most poignant moments were when we arrived at a location in South Nashville where the entire condominium complex had been flooded.”

Residents at the Harding Place Condominiums were dealing with flood debris, no heat, and not knowing whether they could stay in their homes or not following the storms. “The residents on site were sitting in their vehicles to keep warm when we arrived with meals from one of our community partners,” she said. “Not just being appreciative for meal; the look on their faces when they saw two vehicles, with the Red Cross on them was look of hope and help. Our organization being there seemed to give them a moment to breathe.” 

Fisher, who has seen her fair share of disaster responses, says she is always amazed at the little things that really take her a back when responding. “There was one little five-year-old boy who ran up to me and gave me a giant hug and smile when we arrived,” said Fisher. “Another young boy pulled his father toward the ERV and asked him what the words said. His father pointed to each letter on the side of the truck teaching him how to read “Red Cross” and then told him that when he sees it again it stands for good.”

Those are some of the reason hundreds of volunteers like Fisher step up when called during a disaster response with Red Cross. The face of a child, the look of relief on the face of a senior citizen who has all of her life possessions washed away in flood waters, the tears of a mother who can feed her children despite the power being off due to storms. “There is always one thing that is the same,” she added. “As we were about to leave, several of the residences thanked us profusely and waved us goodbye.” That is why Red Cross volunteers do what they do.  

This story is so like many other volunteers, our boots on the ground following a disaster. More than 500 Tennesseans had minor to complete loss of their homes during the flooding in Middle Tennessee.  The American Red Cross of Tennessee Region has served citizens in 19 counties since the storms began just one week ago.  

 

If you would like to help families who have survived this spring storm, please consider donating to the American Red Cross, so the mission of helping people when they need it the most can continue. Please click, text or call to donate. Your gift is a commitment to helping people affected by disasters big and small. Every single donation will make a difference in someone’s life. Visit redcross.org/Tennessee, call 1-800-HELP-NOW, or text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Volunteer Spotlight: Mike Moody

Mike Moody working Disaster Assessment after the Nashville 2020 tornados.

Red Cross volunteer Mike Moody is currently deployed to assist those impacted by the recent flooding in Middle Tennessee. He has been a volunteer with the Nashville Area chapter for three years and has held several roles in the organization. He began as a Disaster Action Team volunteer, was promoted to supervisor and is now serving as Disaster Assessment chapter lead. He has also served as a case worker and was promoted to case worker supervisor. 

He has been involved in several disaster recovery operations in his time at the American Red Cross, including casework for the West Tennessee floods in February 2019 and disaster assessment after the Middle Tennessee tornadoes in March 2020. 

These events are two of the most memorable for Mike, who said “I was humbled by the people I met in the Tennessee River floods in west Tennessee. They lost everything. And a year and a half later, I spent two weeks walking through the neighborhoods in Nashville and Mount Juliet area. There were a number of organizations out there offering to help and do whatever was required. Neighbors were helping neighbors. Those two experiences were really humbling, being able to try and help these people get back on their feet.”

Story by Elizabeth Storey/American Red Cross.

Home Fire Response: Darrell's Story

Darrell Williams, originally from Memphis but now a Chattanooga resident, was displaced due to the fire at Patten Towers. Red Cross has provided essentials, including meals and lodging, to Darrell and more than 130 of his neighbors affected at the apartment building. Despite the circumstances, Darrell said about the Red Cross’ support, “Everything’s been wonderful.” He’s looking forward to being able to return home. “I thank God,” Darrell said. “And Red Cross, too.” 

Help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.