Be A Hero

Regional CEO Mike Parks experienced what he considers to be a miracle one week before Christmas Eve. And one week before Christmas, several children who went through the trauma of a home fire in 2019 experienced the miracle of holiday gifts, thanks to generous employees of TravelCenters of America and Red Cross volunteers. This is a special holiday episode of Be a Hero.

Diagnosed with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), critical care nurse Kristin Palocko needed plasma exchanges to survive. Red Cross blood donors provided that plasma, for which Kristin is very grateful, even though she had to miss her wedding dress fitting. Her last treatment came on her 23rd birthday. "It was kind of a surreal experience, but overall I can say I was very blessed." Kristin is now a blood drive volunteer. And she was able to keep her original wedding date.

Harvey Johnson defines Red Cross Humanitarian Services as responding to emergencies - all kinds of emergencies - not just disasters. He explains how his lengthy military career helped prepare him for his current mission, and how the Red Cross helps those in the military and their families. And he describes one of the moments that has impressed him most in his time with the Red Cross.

A fire in Norwalk, Ohio in January 2018 claimed the lives of three people, and forever affected the surviving family members. There were no working smoke alarms in the home.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Rob Griggs, who lost his parents and a younger brother in that fire, is now on a crusade to make sure every home has working smoke alarms. In this interview, he talks about being notified of the tragedy, learning of the lack of smoke alarms, and how he's helping the Red Cross Sound the Alarm to help save lives. Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter Executive Director Lara Kiefer also explains the vital role board members like Rob play in helping the Red Cross meet its mission.

Credits