Service Beyond Self – The Power of Giving

My face on an AI generated image of a Candy Striper

This week I had the opportunity to attend another American Red Cross fundraising event: the Lifesaver Luncheon in Nashville. Not surprisingly, the stories, reminders of the Red Cross five lines of service, and the importance of donating during “blue sky” events was well executed. After all the photos were taken and the cleanup began, I started to reflect on why I am so passionate about the Red Cross.

I don’t remember what sparked the passion, but I think I learned how to swim when the Red Cross offered swim lessons in Detroit, Michigan in the 70’s. Later, my mom studied to be a nurse, and that may have inspired my desire to learn first aid and begin offering classes to third and fourth graders at local elementary schools. In addition, I spent one summer as a "candy striper” at a local hospital, fetching coffee, water, linens and whatever the nurses needed that a 14-year-old could provide.

I remember having a first aid training scheduled the day after my mom died from cancer. I didn’t realize I could have canceled that training and tucked my sadness away to teach those kids how to bandage a wound, brace a broken bone and call for additional help. I also know that my mom needed about 15 pints of blood that last month of her life, and I vowed I would give that back.

I also remember donating blood one day – it was my mom’s birthday – I had completely forgotten that it was her birthday, until the health screener asked if I was donating on behalf of anyone. I started to share that it was in memory of my mom when I remembered the significance of the date. I began to cry as I realized that I was giving her a birthday present – one that would save others’ lives. I think I was consistent in my giving before that day, but I made an even bigger effort to donate every 56 days after that. According to my records, I’ve donated over 20 gallons, but there might be a few donations missing from my early years.

But it wasn’t just about donations—it was about being a part of something greater. Volunteering regularly, attending events, and joining committees all served as reminders that even the smallest actions can have far-reaching consequences. When I moved back to Nashville in 2018, the first event I attended was the Lifesaver Breakfast (we switched to lunch in 2021). Not long after, I was invited to join a committee and later the Board. Each role added a new layer to my understanding of the organization's vital work, and each connection made me realize that volunteering is more than just donating time—it's about building relationships, advocating for change, and playing an active role in making the world a better place.

What I've learned from this journey is that volunteering doesn’t just help others—it helps you. Each step in my Red Cross story has provided me with a deeper sense of purpose, connected me to remarkable people, and taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, community, and the power of giving. The Red Cross has been a lifeline for so many, but it has also been a lifeline for me, grounding me in the knowledge that when we give, we receive far more in return.

The lessons I learned then and continue to learn today allow me to understand how fragile our lives can be and that we sometimes need to help to move forward. I am grateful that I am able to play a role in the work of the Red Cross and that the many years of service have helped me grow as a person, a leader, and a coach. I encourage everyone to volunteer in their local communities. You never know where it might lead or how deeply it might impact your life.