Solemn anniversary is a time to remember

As a first responder, Sgt. Erin Dumont, Omaha Police Department, recognizes the importance of a readily available blood supply.

While heralded as one of the worst days in American history, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 united the country and brought out the best of the American spirit. Nationwide, people came together to support the victims and survivors with donations of time, blood and money. Together, we responded, recovered and rebuilt.

As the tenth anniversary of this tragedy approaches, it is a time to remember the victims, honor the brave first-responders and rekindle the spirit of service to others. While we look back and remember, we also look ahead with a renewed commitment to prepare our families and communities for disasters of any kind. Be Red Cross Ready and take steps to prepare today.

Thank you for ensuring your community is prepared through your involvement with the American Red Cross.

Recent release helps save lives

Mary Hoppe, blood donor

By Mary Hoppe

Recently, I drove past the building that used to be my neighborhood video rental store. Fifteen years ago, an American Red Cross donation bus used to be parked outside regularly. I remembered how I would stop by, donate blood and pick up the “recent release” to watch. I hadn’t given blood in years, and noticed that the storefront now reads, “American Red Cross Donor Center.” Driving by, a little voice in the back of my brain told me I should take an hour out of my day to donate.

I Googled “Red Cross tips for a successful donation” to find out how to prepare. The first thing that caught my eye was to eat a diet of iron-rich foods. I guess I would have to pass on the McDonald’s value meals and late-night drive-thru at DQ and concentrate on a healthier diet including spinach, red meat, fish, beans and raisins. Secondly, get a good night’s sleep if my five- and two-year-old kids allow it. Next item: avoid caffeine and get plenty of fluids. I knew that my habitual cup of coffee and Diet Mountain Dew should be replaced by water to hydrate my system.

I finally made the decision to walk through the doors and give blood. The atmosphere was very calm, and I told myself “You can do this!”

Unlike when the building was home to the video store, I actually came out ahead. I didn’t pay any late fees and my transaction didn’t come with a receipt. Instead, I was given a sticker that read, “Be nice to me. I gave blood today.” It felt good knowing I actually made a difference. Now my “recent release” will help save someone’s life.

Student leaders help save lives, earn scholarship money.

High school students received a Star Award from Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern for their accomplishments.

As summer comes to a close, it’s time to resort to that back-to-school checklist. The American Red Cross reminds youth about the importance of blood donation through the Young Minds Change Lives Educational Scholarship Program.

High schools participating in the program can earn scholarship money for post-secondary education. The Red Cross awards scholarships based on the number of blood donations at high school blood drives throughout the school year, and school representatives then determine how to award the scholarship(s).

By hosting a blood drive and donating at your high school, you can help save lives while helping to establish a college scholarship fund to benefit students. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767, option 2) to speak with a Red Cross representative about the Young Minds Change Lives Scholarship Program.

After cancer and countless transfusions, family feels blessed

Carlee Regan (right) with older sister Cambria, visit a local radio talk show to discuss her recovery from cancer.

Carlee Regan, age 5, is busy enjoying play dates with friends and dance recitals. She participates in the local Relay for Life event and cheers on her dad and brother as they leave for Memphis to start off a four-state fundraising relay foot race to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

When Carlee was just six months old, she was diagnosed with clival chordoma, a rare skull-based tumor usually found in adults. Three years ago, she was a tiny toddler with big blue eyes and no hair. Carlee’s mom, Julie, says she isn’t sure how many transfusions her little girl received during two and a half years of chemotherapy. “She spent many nights on the pediatric floor getting a lot of rounds of chemo and many transfusions. Now we are truly blessed,” says Julie.

Thanks to her doctors and the generosity of volunteer blood donors, today Carlee has a head full of thick, curly hair that frames her face, bounces in the breeze and even helps position her preschool graduation cap.

See the impact and view other recipient stories here.