Posted on March 20, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross
Oscar Balderas and Kisiah Johnson are two long-time residents of the Monona Hills Apartments, and both woke to the sounds of smoke alarms and commotion at 3:42 a.m. on a Saturday morning, March 18 2023, in their respective apartments.
Monona Hills Apartments, photo by Laura McGuire
Johnson called the fire department to confirm that the smoke alarms were indeed a fire warning and not a false alarm. Grabbing her coat, purse, and keys, she went out of her apartment. While walking down the smoke-filled halls, she saw other residents in a dazed state still waking up. She escorted one lady out of the building in a nightgown and another lady who is visually impaired down the stairs to find safety outside as firefighters and police were knocking on doors asking all to exit the building.
The day before the fire, Balderas moved from one apartment to another apartment within the building never expecting the worst to happen. When hearing the alarms, Balderas retrieved his coat before heading out the door and helping others out of the building. “I help. That’s me,” Balderas said. “If I can help you, I’ll help you, but I mean the people that live there are like my family. We’ve known each other for you know, a long time and we just have to help each other. It doesn’t matter what race you are; you have to become one people and I just helped them as much as I could.”
Kisiah Johnson and Oscar Balderas, photo by Laura McGuire
All apartments in the 70-unit apartment building have been evacuated.
The temperature was a blustery 9 degrees Fahrenheit with 15 mph winds making conditions frigid. “It was really, really cold,” said Johnson. The Red Cross was there handing out socks and blankets to help comfort the residents exposed to the cold temperatures.
St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, across the parking lot from the apartment building, opened its doors for those displaced, serving as a reunification center for residents which turned into a Red Cross shelter.
Newton being comforted by his owner, photo by Laura McGuire
Balderas and Johnson have no family in the area, so for them they were glad to see the Red Cross in action providing comfort and care in their time of need. Both had been through fires before. Johnson surviving a fire in her youth in Chicago. “Things can be replaced,” explained Johnson. “I am just thankful to be alive. I am so thankful for the Red Cross services that they were “Johnny-on-the-spot” so soon after and for all the first responders who helped.”
Both Balderas and Johnson were distraught, and their adrenaline was running high, but it was clear their attitudes of positivity will carry them through their recovery. They were glad to receive a hot meal, hot coffee, a Red Cross personal hygiene kit providing essentials, and hugs and comfort from Red Cross staff and volunteers.
Johnson was also proud to say, she gave blood to the Red Cross as recently as a couple of days before the fire. While seeing the Red Cross hold a blood drive at her work, she was happy to learn that she was eligible to donate, and she rolled up her sleeve and gave a pint of blood.
When the dust settles for Johnson she hopes to become a Red Cross volunteer and help others.
If anyone is impacted by this fire and needs help please call the Red Cross at 1-800-236-8680.
The Red Cross is always looking for volunteers to provide hope to those in need. Please see our website for more information on how you too and become a Red Cross volunteer: https://www.redcross.org/local/wisconsin/volunteer.html
Red Cross disaster action team volunteer, photo by Laura McGuire
Posted on March 20, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Tom Ruse, American Red Cross
Home fires claim an average of seven lives every day! As the American Red Cross of Wisconsin gears up for the annual Home Fire Campaign to encourage home fire readiness, we are sharing practical experiences from residents who’ve “been there”.
Evelyn Rodgers from Milwaukee explains how she, and her mother and daughter have learned from experiencing fire in their home in Milwaukee.
“It was an electrical fire, which means it was in the walls,” said Evelyn Rodgers. “You could smell it. I had no power to the upstairs part of my house. When I went upstairs to the bathroom, I felt the heat. I looked towards the shower and saw smoke. I yelled down to my mom and daughter to put their shoes and coat on as I dialed 911,” said Rodgers.
Rodgers continues to say, “(The Red Cross was) very helpful. I spoke to a mental health/spiritual advisor, my daughter talked to a counselor, and my mom was able to get her medication replaced. They constantly checked on me to see where I was on my house journey and how I was doing overall.”
Better days ahead! Evelyn and her mother and daughter (Left-right Pat, E’Monni , Evelyn )
Having lived through this, Rodgers explains how they now prepare for the future.
“Any time my daughter hears a smoke detector she thinks it is a fire. She constantly touches the walls to make sure they are not hot. She does not like crawl spaces. She is 5 so I know it was scary for her. We check the smoke detector regularly. My daughter even makes sure we check them every night. We also have an escape plan and a spot to meet up if the situation ever occurs again. I also had my in-laws come check the wiring to see if it was up to code.”
Shanetta Hudson, from Milwaukee, experienced a fire in her apartment building when a neighbor fell asleep while cooking. While she and her son were alerted in time and got out safely, they lost everything they owned.
“The fire department came, kicked the door in, told us to leave. It was terrifying! Hudson explained, “We lost everything. But the Red Cross was very helpful in a major way. I appreciate everything they did and so quickly. They help me get moved to a new location very quickly. And they provided us with air mattresses so we wouldn’t have to sleep on the floor when we first moved in. I actually had them before we moved in. They gave us vouchers to use at Salvation Army for clothes and supplies and such. If it were not for the Red Cross, I’d still be in a shelter.”
“We did have working smoke alarms and will continue to make sure we do,” said Hudson.
Home fires claim seven lives every day but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half.
The American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign helps save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes that do not have them, and by educating people about home fire safety.
We are also rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms, as part of our nationwide Sound the Alarm events. See the following volunteering opportunities in the area:
Saturday, April 15, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
M3 Insurance 828 John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53713
Posted on March 6, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross
Amelia Heider, a local American Red Cross blood donor, was deferred from giving blood three months in a row. Before her blood donation and after a health history assessment, Heider’s hemoglobin level produced a low result which prevented her from donating blood. This action led her to seek the advice of her doctor. In April 2022, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Heider is battling refractory high-risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia, also known as AML, with a rare genetic mutation. AML is a cancer of the blood that starts in the bone marrow and spreads to the bloodstream.
Cancer patients use nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply – more than patients fighting any other disease – but only 3% of Americans donate blood each year. To date, Heider has received over 50 whole blood and/or platelet transfusions during her treatment.
The Heider family have been loyal blood donors and longtime residents of the Lodi community. “We strongly believe that by Amelia being a regular blood donor and being deferred from giving blood led to her Leukemia diagnosis,” said Maureen Heider, Amelia’s mother. “We did not realize just how much blood products cancer patients used.”
To help keep blood the blood supply stable, the Heider family is holding a blood drive in honor of Amelia on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Lodi Veterinary Care, 705 N. Main in Lodi. “We hope this blood drive will encourage people to donate blood on a regular basis to help all in need,” said Maureen Heider.
The Red Cross is proud to provide important health information through the donation process. This health assessment is performed on each blood donor prior to their donation. The private health history assessment includes questions about the donor’s health history, places traveled, use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure reading. The assessment also includes checking the donor’s hemoglobin level from a single drop of blood obtained from a finger stick to ensure the donor is healthy enough to donate. Empowering our blood donors with meaningful health information is critical to maintaining donor person well-being as well as the broader care of our communities.
To make an appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Posted on February 25, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross
The weather headlines for Wednesday, Feb. 22 in Milwaukee read Wisconsin is set to be hit with severe winter weather including snow, freezing rain, and sleet. Travel will be hazardous and cancellations are to be expected. The public was advised to make sure their cell phones were fully charged in case the power went out.
Tom Rossmiller checking on a client at the shelter
Add to that being a resident in an apartment building and being awakened to a multi-family fire at North 14th St. in Milwaukee. That describes how Clyde Witt’s day started along with others in the building.
Witt woke to smoke alarms sounding in his building and emergency lights illuminating the halls. Thanks to Sergeant Witt’s prior experience with the Wisconsin National Guard his instincts and prior training kicked in. He started knocking on doors yelling “fire, fire” and started to help other residents exit the building.
The 50-unit senior apartment building was evacuated leaving tenants out in the cold waiting for help. Firefighters contained the fire, but major damage forced all tenants in the building to be displaced. Witt says after the fire was contained and when the building was safe to enter, a few residents including himself were allowed to go back into the building for five minutes to secure personal items. “But what can you get in five minutes,” said Witt.
Clyde Witt giving two thumbs up for Red Cross services
Many of those that were displaced arrived at the Red Cross shelter at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 631 N. 19th St. where they had a comfortable, warm safe place to stay, received comfort and care, hot meals, blankets and water from the Red Cross as they waited for direction and next steps. Red Cross caseworkers have been working one on one with clients to replace medication, medical and mobility equipment lost during the fire. Health care and mental health volunteers have been available for the clients. Since those displaced left with nothing but the clothes on their back, Red Cross volunteers and staff went shopping in the severe winter weather to purchase underwear, socks, sweatshirts and sweatpants to provide basic essentials for the clients.
Witt’s last few days have been spent at the Red Cross shelter. “The Red Cross is doing a great job,” said Witt. “They are keeping us as comfortable as they can, under the circumstances, and they can’t do anything better than what they are doing.”
Witt has been a resident in the building for about six years. He is grateful to be at the Red Cross shelter but is anxious to return home.
Chris Skerven, Mari Guckenberger, Tom Rossmiller
During this time, about 20 clients have been staying at the shelter. The Red Cross is grateful for the support of the church for opening its doors to serve as a shelter for those in need. Volunteers and staff have been extremely attentive to the needs of the clients who have gone through so much. Severe weather would slow anyone down, but to see the camaraderie and “up-and-above” efforts between the volunteers and the staff and their willingness to help the clients is outstanding.
Chris Skerven, Sherry Harris, Clyde Witt, Mari Guckenberger, Tom Rossmiller
The Red Cross is known for being there on a person’s darkest day. The Red Cross mission prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
If anyone has been displaced by this fire and needs assistance, call 1-800-RED CROSS.
The American Red Cross of Southeast Wisconsin is opening a Multi-Agency Resource Center. This “One-Stop Shop” offering relief and recovery resources will open Monday, Feb. 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the American Red Cross Office, 2600 W. Wisconsin Ave., in Milwaukee. The Red Cross will provide resources for those impacted by the multi-family fire that occurred on Feb. 22 at North 14th St. in Milwaukee.
Posted on February 24, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
Kathryn Halvorsen has been named the new executive director of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin serving North Central Wisconsin.
As a natural storyteller, Halvorsen hopes to use her networking skills to establish new relationships and further advance the Red Cross mission. Halvorsen states: “I’ve spent nearly six years storytelling for TV, and I am so excited to continue to tell the great stories of Red Crossers moving forward. It’s an honor to be working for one of the world’s most charitable organizations.”
Halvorsen comes to us from WAOW News 9, in Wausau where she served as the evening anchor for nearly two years. Last year, she was honored for her work by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. Prior to that, Halvorsen anchored and reported in Traverse City, Michigan.
As executive director, Halvorsen will be collaborating with community partners and elected officials; conducting media interviews; fundraising for the chapter; recruiting and engaging with volunteers; and helping with blood donation and collection goals.
Halvorsen graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Electronic Media Sales. There, she was a part of many organizations including the university’s National Broadcasting Society, a member of a co-ed professional business fraternity, and more recently, Halvorsen has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Marathon County. Her engagement and knowledge of the community will provide her a great advantage as she fulfills the work in the region she serves.
Posted on January 24, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross
Every day at the American Red Cross, we see firsthand the remarkable deeds of everyday heroes. Their stories inspire and remind us to never doubt the impact an individual can make in the lives of others.
The Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin will honor individuals who have shown courage, dedication and unselfish character by their acts of heroism in our community at theNorthwest Wisconsin Heroes Breakfast, hosted by Katie Phernetton, WQOW News 18. This year’s award recipients will be honored Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 7:45 a.m. at The Florian Gardens Conference Center, 2340 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire.
The Northwest Wisconsin Heroes Breakfast honors people making an impact through their bravery, dedication, and humanitarian service. This event grew out of a desire to celebrate local members of our communities living our mission – to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The award breakfast also serves as a fundraising event for programs and services provided by the Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin.
2022 Health Care Heroes – EMTs from Cadott Area Fire & and Chippewa Falls Fire & EMS. Left to right: Mark Thomas, CEO, American Red Cross of WI, Brittany Walters, Joel Sternitzky, Christine Naberhaus, Chief Rick Sommerfeld, DeWayne Hanson, Michele Eberle, MJ Thomsen, Executive Director, American Red Cross of NW WI
Chosen across a handful of categories, honorees at the Northwest Wisconsin Heroes Breakfast represent those among us who reflect what is best in our communities. For over 20 years, about 150 local heroes have been recognized and we are thrilled to add to that number.
The 2023 Heroes are:
Adult Good Samaritan:
John Goodman
Community Hero:
Barron County Ice Rescue Group
Justin Bernardin
Deputy Heather Hughes
Nick Johnson
Deputy Erik Sedani
From the Heart (Biomedical):
Louie and Barb Muench
Health Care:
Chippewa County Department of Public Health
Hero of a Lifetime:
Ron Larson
Military:
Chippewa Valley Technical College ~ Give Vets a Smile Program
Mayo Clinic Health System is the presenting sponsor of this incredibly special event. Additional event sponsors include WQOW News-18, EZ New Media, Xcel Energy, Ayres & Associates, Associated Bank and In Memory of Dr. Brad Garber – Sponsored by Julie Garber and Family. This year’s individual Heroes sponsors include Global Finishing Solutions, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire, Leinenkugels, Royal Credit Union, Scheels, Security Financial Bank and WESTconsin Credit Union. Additional support sponsors include Market & Johnson, Northwestern Bank, OakLeaf Surgical Group, Prevail Bank, Ruder Ware, TTM Technologies, and Dave and Barb Nelson.
To reserve your seat for this event, visit https://NWHeroes.givesmart.com. Reservations for this event are $45 and all proceeds go toward the Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin.
Posted on January 16, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Laura McGuire, American Red Cross
Calling all Badger fans. We need your help in a BIG way – donate blood and help save lives with the American Red Cross.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is participating in the Share your BIG Heart Blood Challenge to help boost the blood supply this winter. Universities across the conference will compete to see who can collect the most lifesaving blood during this competition. If you bleed red and white, you can help the Badgers by donating blood at a series of blood drives scheduled Jan. 20 through Feb. 28, 2023.
Last year, conference universities faced off in a similar blood drive competition. During the series of events, approximately 3,000 lifesaving donations were collected. Donations by schools last year include UW-Madison 741 donations, Michigan State 404 donations, Michigan 913 donations and Penn State 924 donations.
This year at least nine universities are participating in the challenge, and about 4,500 donations will be collected.
We know Badgers can easily place at the top for helping to save lives. Show your school spirit and encourage all to join in this friendly, fun competition.
As a thank-you, all who come to give blood Jan. 20 through Feb. 28 at the UW-Madison campus for the Big Heart Blood Challenge will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Wisconsin union terrace chair. This offer is non-transferrable. All participating donors who come to give Jan. 1-31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win an exciting trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix! Includes travel, hotel, $500 gift card, pre-game activities and more! Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl. All participating donors who come to give Feb. 1 – 28 will receive a $10 Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon. And will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, FL. Includes travel, hotel, gift card and more! Terms: rcblood.org/heart.
A big shout out goes to all sponsors including the UW-Madison Red Cross Club, UW-Madison Libraries, Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity, UW-Madison School of Nursing, UW-Madison School of Business and Omega Psi Phi Epsilon Theta. Thank you for your school spirit and for helping to keep blood products on the shelves for patients in need.
The Big Heart Blood Challenge is a chance for students, faculty, staff and alumni to show their school spirit while supporting a great cause. Being an official Badger is about more than just what you learn in the classroom, take an hour to donate blood and help save lives. On Wisconsin!
Those who have not given recently or those who might have never donated before are encouraged to schedule an appointment, however, walk-ins are welcomed.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities:
1/20/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m., Union South, 1308 W Dayton St.
1/23/2023, Noon – 5:00p.m., Memorial Library, 728 State St.
1/26/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St.
1/27/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., The Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Avenue
2/1/2023, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., The Nick, 797 W. Dayton St.
2/2/2023, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., The Nick, 797 W. Dayton St.
2/3/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St.
2/9/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Memorial Union,800 Langdon St.
2/10/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Memorial Union,800 Langdon St.
2/16/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Union South,1308 W Dayton St.
2/17/2023, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Union South, 1308 W Dayton St.
2/21/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., The Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Avenue
2/22/2023, Noon – 5:00 p.m., The Nick, 797 W Dayton St.
2/23/2023, 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.
2/24/2023, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Union South, 1308 W Dayton St.
Donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now. Don’t wait. People across the country depend on the generosity of blood donors. Make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using sponsor codes Badgers or Bucky to find an appointment on campus or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Posted on January 13, 2023 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Colton Pemble, American Red Cross
No one ever expects to be in a situation where CPR is needed, but such emergencies come without warning. For instance, more than 300,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest each year, according to the American Red Cross.
You can increase the chances of survival for someone in that sudden emergency – whether it’s a loved one or a stranger – by knowing how to properly perform CPR and use an AED.
A participant readies for chest compressions during CPR and AED training recently in the Milwaukee office of the American Red Cross.
I recently had the opportunity to take a CPR, AED and first aid course offered by the Red Cross. Millions of people learn these skills through Red Cross classes or people trained by the Red Cross, including more than 38,000 people last year who were trained in Wisconsin. This was a new skill for me and something I was eager to take advantage of during my internship with the communications department during my studies at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
For my class, I chose a blended class option, which consisted of both an online and in-person portion, which made it very flexible to schedule. The online portion used a mixture of videos and text to teach how to recognize different medical situations and introduce the techniques to respond to them. I learned a lot more than I expected during this part, and it provided enough foundational information to make me feel very comfortable and prepared to attend the in-person portion of the class.
For the in-person part, I registered for a morning class in Milwaukee. I was really surprised by how small the class size was, with there being about 10 students. This made it so that the instructor could really make sure everyone was learning and everyone there seemed very eager to learn as well. The instructor was also very engaging and had plenty of stories to tell about her own experiences that made the class more interesting.
Going into the class, I was pretty nervous because it was a skill I had no experience with, in practice or faced with someone experiencing a medical emergency. But by the end of it I was met with a large sense of relief that I would now have skills needed to help someone in crisis.
Because the online portion was able to cover so much material, the in-person part was able to largely focus on hands-on training. In roughly two hours, the class was able to teach the proper technique for CPR, how to use an AED device, how to respond to someone who is choking as well as some basic first aid skills. There was also plenty of time to practice these skills by attempting to revive some CPR dummies and by using practice AEDs. By the end of the class – about three hours in total, including the virtual portion – I had learned a ton and felt as prepared as I could be to possibly have to use these skills in a real-life situation.
In addition to being potentially lifesaving, Red Cross training may fulfill OSHA standards and other workplace requirements. There are also many options for courses so they can easily fit into busy schedules, as well as many training locations. Many other types of courses are offered, for example, some are specialized for pediatric care or for water safety.
Posted on December 19, 2022 by American Red Cross - Wisconsin
By Justin Kern, American Red Cross
A scan through any major American Red Cross of Wisconsin community event, disaster, blood drive or fundraiser over the past 14 years will show some level of involvement from Tom Mooney.
There’s Tom grilling hundreds of brats for veterans, their families and V.A. staff in Milwaukee. There is he is again as one of the first people on scene to establish a shelter after flooding in Mazomanie. The massive holiday blood drive in Madison, the compression-only CPR table in Wausau and every community hero (and golf outing) event on the calendar in the state … he’s at all of those, too.
Mooney, right, fries brats and burgers to be served to veterans and more at the Milwaukee V.A. on Memorial Day 2018.
Mooney, the Chief Operating Officer for the Wisconsin Region of the American Red Cross, recently retired after 14 ceaseless years of leadership, in Madison and across the state. Of course, he doesn’t plan to stop; in Red Cross fashion, he’s already been “promoted” to volunteer, which has kept him as a regular presence. Staff or volunteer, it’s a testament to his infectious ability to lead by example.
“For me it boils down to a few things. There is a lot of change and you have to care and you have to be committed,” said Mooney. “You have to have a good attitude. People look for leaders to have common sense but also keep the ship going in the right direction. Let’s figure out solutions to problems.”
For the past 18 months, he was solely the Chief Operating Officer, and previous roles include CEO of what was then known as the Badger Chapter. He is not shy about listing a Rolodex of names of people he credits with supporting him every step of the way, from the Red Cross to his previous decades in various executive and managerial positions at American Family Insurance. He began there after earning his bachelor’s in business administration, finance and risk management from his beloved UW-Madison.
In school or work, Mooney has been dedicated to helping others. He began donating blood in 1982 – now at more than 10 gallons as a donor – and took his first CPR and first aid courses in college “to get the confidence to act if something were to happen.”
“I felt [I could] help people and not be shy about getting involved if something happened to somebody,” said Mooney. “Realistically, with CPR, if you use it, it’s because it’s impacting a loved one. And with compression-only CPR, almost anybody can do it.”
Never boastful, Mooney is hard-pressed to pick out accomplishments along the way. Certainly, though, he was instrumental in the joint push by the Red Cross and American Heart Association to get compression-only CPR as a mandatory lesson in all schools in Wisconsin. That same program was championed by Dr. Darren Bean, who died tragically in a medical helicopter crash, and became the pilot used nationally by the Red Cross.
“Team Mooney” before heading out to install free smoke alarms in Madison.
Another key aspect of Tom’s leadership at the Red Cross came in collaboration with other local nonprofit and service organization heads. Whether that meant building up boards and supporter networks, or late-night phone calls to see where someone could pitch in, those connections continue to benefit Wisconsin residents.
“If you can help other nonprofits and their executives succeed, our whole community is better off. It’s a partnership,” he said.
And Tom was ever-present in the toughest times. From a fatal explosion in Sun Prairie that required substantial lodging and recovery, to nearly every apartment fire emergency shelter in southwest Wisconsin over the past 14 years, Tom was there – to set up cots, run to get orange juice for a diabetic client, change a flat tire on a trailer or any other thing that came up. The 2008 floods hold a particular place in his memory, as both the worst recent flooding in our state’s history as well as his first disaster with the Red Cross. He remembers disaster assessments in the village of Rock Springs, where his family had annual reunions, an area with high-water marks at four and five feet through a punished downtown. As waters began to recede, he drove his then-school aged children back through Rock Springs, and they reflected as a family on the impact – and ongoing need of residents.
“It was a teaching moment not just for my kids, but for me, on how devastating a disaster can be,” he said.
Madison born and raised, Mooney said it’s important to use this retirement time for those closest to him, including his wife, Sue, and his three children, Claire, Ryan and Logan. Although, knowing Tom, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him once again combine that passion for community service with his love of his family as they all join to volunteer at an upcoming Red Cross preparedness event or blood drive.
I’ve spelled out highlights from each month of this year below. In mulling all we’ve done around the mission of the American Red Cross this past year, there is one word that keeps coming back to me – outstanding.
Here’s why. Throughout this year, myself and our Wisconsin Region have had the opportunity on multiple occasions to receive honors and recognition from both the Red Cross and our partners like the United Way, Donald Driver and more. Awards really do matter, especially when you know they’re backed by committed people and a vital mission.
We’re focused on people and our mission. It’s never easy … but neither are the situations faced by the people we help. In that intense focus, we may not always stop to recognize all we’ve accomplished, even as we’re being recognized by others. With all of that, I want to thank all of you for an outstanding year together in 2022.
As you’ll likely recognize, the word “outstanding” has a second meaning, too – around the work still to be done. So, as you scroll through some of our accomplishments in my short-list below, please take a moment to relish the excellence you’ve brought to someone in need or someone participating in our mission as a volunteer, supporter or blood donor. That same excellence will guide us in all of the good work yet to come.
A blood donor who came out to give in January during our first-ever national blood crisis. Photo by Dan Schillinger / American Red Cross
January
This year started with a dire situation. The Red Cross issued our first-ever national blood crisis. Collections took a heavy hit from a COVID spike, savage winter weather and the usual dip over the holidays. Once the Red Cross and other blood collectors put out the seriousness in the lack of blood on the shelves – a one-day’s supply in some places – donors stepped up with three of the biggest days of appointments we’ve ever registered. For anyone facing cancer treatments, a difficult childbirth or car accidents, this was absolutely a life-saving response.
February
I mentioned a few awards at the start of this article. That began in February, with a generous recognition by the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County. Cory and Michelle Nettles chose me and our efforts at the Red Cross with their annual Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award. Later this same year, long-time Red Cross supporter and Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver included me among a host of exceptional community leaders for the annual “Driven to Achieve” service awards. I remain humbled for both of these acknowledgements, and I certainly accept it on behalf of the achievements we all have made at the Red Cross in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin.
From our colleagues, the Wisconsin Region of the Red Cross was also recognized for outstanding – there’s that word again – work this past fiscal and calendar year in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, blood collection and distribution, and teamwork. Like the external accolades, this is only possible because of the 365-24/7 compassion and dedication by our dozens of staff and thousands of volunteers.
Miss Antionette blows out the candles on her birthday cake, during a short-term emergency shelter stay after a fire at her apartment building. Photo by Justin Kern / American Red Cross
Here’s one anecdote to crystallize what I mean: the same week the United Way announced the Linda McFerrin honor, our Milwaukee disaster teams stood up a shelter after a nearby apartment building fire. It wasn’t just the essentials at this shelter. Volunteers realized one resident would be spending her birthday at this emergency shelter. They took what could have been a grim milestone and turned it into a surprise party – cake, balloons and all – for Miss Antionette, our shelter resident (pictured at left). Bringing such dignity and love to someone in their darkest time is the essence of outstanding humanitarianism.
March
We can give out awards, too! Our fundraiser events recognizing outstanding community heroes returned in-person and better than ever. It started in March, with our Heroes Breakfast in Eau Claire, and extended with a full slate of celebrations in Milwaukee (Brave Hearts – May), Madison (Southwest Wisconsin Annual Golf Outing – June) and Menasha (Northeast Heroes Classic – September). These fun, inspiring events mean so much for our relationships, community-building and capacity to serve in communities across Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan. You better believe I’m looking forward to these events in 2023!
April
Volunteer recognition has a special place in spring. For an organization where 90 percent of what we do is led by volunteers, this recognition is essential. Over our past fiscal year, more than 2,200 volunteers helped in every capacity to the tune of 118,000 dedicated hours. Whether it’s on this special month or any other day of the year – thank you volunteers!
May
Following busy large-scale and apartments fires since winter 2020, our preparedness teams and partners were able to return into homes to share free preparedness resources. Hundreds of people received free smoke alarms, home fire escape plans and more in “Sound the Alarm. Save a Life” community safety events in May in Milwaukee, Sun Prairie, La Crosse and Fond du Lac. It was especially cool to be joined in Milwaukee by Judy Green, a national fundraising V.P. with the Red Cross who was also a co-chair of the national 2022 “Sound the Alarm” campaign. Families were so grateful for these safety visits, providing peace of mind.
June
A trio of young swimmers learn the ropes at the YMCA in Kenosha in June as part of the Centennial Campaign. Photo by Justin Kern / American Red Cross
Who doesn’t love to see kids learning while having fun? In Milwaukee and now in Kenosha, June kicked off affordable swim safety lessons through our Centennial Campaign. I love this push to make many more kids comfortable and safe in the water.
July
Generac, through its premier role at the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, provided a unique opportunity for people to support international humanitarian relief. The Waukesha-based company garnered signatures from high-profile music acts on its stage at the annual summer festival, with auction proceeds going toward global Red Cross relief programs and people. Artists contributing signed guitars included The Violent Femmes, Atmosphere and Bob Mould. Our fund development team were so creative in making this special show of generosity truly rock.
August
How about the dedication of our board and committee members across our communities? Throughout the pandemic, these partners were lockstep with our changing needs to serve people. And as we returned to a new version of normal, they were right there to learn more about the Red Cross and represent us in invigorating ways. There are so many stand-out moments. One of those is the pandemic leadership and now international role of board member Dave Nelson from our Northwest Chapter. Another happened in August, as Southeast Board President John Griffith and North-Central Board President Jay Cricks joined me in Washington, D.C. for a slate of meetings at Red Cross NHQ. For all five of our Wisconsin Region boards, plus all the committee members, I remain enthused by your partnerships in community service.
September
During Sickle Cell Awareness Month and at other times in the year, Wisconsin stepped up to fight sickle cell disease. The Urban League of Greater Madison rallied two blood drives, Gee’s Clippers in Milwaukee hosted its first drive and Milwaukee student Alana Fisher earned the region’s only scholarship for her efforts to strengthen the blood supply through more diverse donors. Before making my first Power Red donation at the spring Madison Urban League drive, there was a moment that stays with me. Every donor giving blood at that moment was a person of color. And among them was a grandmother, who was taking the time to share what she was doing and why it was important with her granddaughter standing nearby. It was a small but profound interaction.
Volunteers like Scott Adler put their Wisconsin lives on hold as they deployed to help people after large-scale disasters in Kentucky, Florida, Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Photo by Justin Kern / American Red Cross
October
In some ways it came later than usual, but the large-scale national disasters were no less fierce. I’m so proud dozens of Wisconsin volunteers and staff were able to help meet this huge need, including deployments to Alaska, Puerto Rico, Kentucky and numerous people to Florida. For everyone back home, it was neat to see an outpouring of support once again, with media partners across most of the state raising funds and awareness for people elsewhere in the U.S. facing monumental devastation. Make no mistake – this recovery is still ongoing, especially after Hurricane Ian. All of this is possible because of you.
November
Service to veterans, active military and their families never stopped during the pandemic, though 2022 saw the return to many of our military support events. In fiscal year 2022, the Red Cross in Wisconsin and the U.P. opened 3,385 service cases for those who served and their families. Additionally, local teams led more than 1,000 lessons on International Services programs to adults and youth. The week of Veterans Day, one of our Service to the Armed Forces volunteers brought programs to incarcerated veterans as part of her monthly visits to a Wisconsin correctional facility. To hear her passion for veterans in need, no matter where life has taken them, touches on some of the very best of our relief and programming.
December
Okay, this month is just kicking off and if you know anything about the Red Cross, it’s that we’re flexible for whatever can and will happen. Rather than stretch for a recap or predictions early this final month of the year, I offer you this: join our outstanding mission. If you’re already involved, let’s talk about keeping it going in a way that inspires you. If you’ve never volunteered, given blood, helped a veteran or taken a CPR class, come along with us. There’s a lot of good work left to do, and together we can make so much more happen.
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