'Tremendous humanity' in the face of horror: Red Cross volunteer recounts the hours following the September 11 attacks

Peggy McGee-Smith’s smiling face is staring back at me via my monitor as I fumble through the Microsoft Teams settings to find a way to record what I know will be one of those once-in-a-lifetime discussions…the chance to talk with someone who was on the ground in response to one of the most heartbreaking disasters in U.S. history – the 9-11 attacks.

A Red Cross volunteer for approximately 25 years and counting, Peggy specializes in providing mental health support for those affected by disaster and loss, a talent well-honed by her 32-year career as a psychiatric/community health nurse at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center.

Her warm, affable personality suddenly turns serious as she traces her experience with the 9-11 response. She recalls catching the first news of a plane hitting one of the towers and having no comprehension that it could be a terrorist attack.

“I actually went to the chapter office (in Buffalo) after the first plane hit because I was wondering if there was going to be a Red Cross response,” she recalls.  “By the time I got there, things had changed (with the second plane hitting the other tower) and we all realized this was something more serious.”

I watch and listen intently.  As someone who has spent nearly my entire public relations career in not-for-profit organizations, I am used to the mantra related to the importance of volunteers put forth by many organizations and, candidly, actions don’t always match words. I am finding out quickly that the Red Cross is much different and am a bit astounded as I listen to Peggy’s story and see vivid proof of the leadership roles that volunteers play in our response.

“Ken Turner (the Western NY Regional Disaster Officer) asked me to rent a car and drive to the area to meet other volunteers.  I think I got the very last car at the rental agency because I heard the rep tell the person after me that he was out of cars.”

Her face suddenly turns more serious, almost somber, as she recalls her drive to New York City.  “I remember that on the way down it seemed like there were no other vehicles on the road…just mine and ambulances.”

Her somber tone intensifies as she recounts the initial moments the next morning when she entered the city.

“I went to the Red Cross headquarters in Manhattan and there were hundreds of people there wanting to volunteer.  It was people everywhere!”

Peggy pauses to collect herself for a moment as another memory surfaces.  She shares that she was appointed to serve as a shelter supervisor and riding in a van when, on the way to their destination, they were flagged down by a desperate woman, walking along the road with her elderly mother and seeking help.  It’s just one of many anecdotes that she shares that bring her emotion to the surface.

“There was a lot of confusion and tremendous need,” she recalls.  “I don’t have flashbacks, but have very clear recollections. There was tremendous humanity despite the horror.”

Among those recollections is the story of a father who had a son working in one of the towers for Cantor-Fitzgerald.  He shared with Peggy that his son had been somewhat of a challenge as a youth but had turned things around and was successful in life.  The father was distraught because he had lost every bit of paper for his son, papers given by various agencies involved in the rescue and recovery operation. Peggy helped him find the papers.

Another story was that of a young girl, frantically looking for a spot on the wall to place a picture of her brother, one of the thousands missing after the collapse of the towers.  Peggy helped her find an available space near the stairs.

“Everything there was so powerful,” Peggy shares as she once again pauses to collect herself.

And while the memories continue to bring forward raw emotion, calm returns to her face as she states, “I’m grateful that I was part of the Red Cross and that I could be of service.  It was powerful for all of us,” she says, referring to her brother and nearly a dozen others from the Buffalo area who served in New York City.  Her initial stay lasted just over two weeks and, after a brief respite back home, she went back down for another three weeks near the end of October.

As we near the end of our conversation, she shares one more tidbit about the level of engagement and empowerment of Red Cross volunteers that strikes me, as well as those who they assist, as extraordinary. It comes from yet another of the 80-90 disaster relief responses she estimates to have been a part, including some in Guam, Saipan, Puerto Rico and many U.S. states. This one from her experience providing assistance after an ice storm in Arkansas.

“There was a couple we were assisting, and the woman asked where we were from.  When I told her, she said something to the effect of ‘you came all the way from Buffalo, New York to help us’? That’s very powerful.” 

Powerful indeed.  But then again, we’re talking about Red Cross volunteers. Our volunteers have had a busy summer, responding to western wildfires, the building collapse in Surfside, Florida, the tragic flooding in Tennessee, and Hurricane Ida and its impact in the Gulf and East Coast regions…and those are just the national disasters to which Red Cross volunteers have responded.  Closer to home they have been essential in providing aid to more than 1,100 individuals impacted by home fires and flooding in areas like Lockport and Broome and Steuben counties.  We are actively recruiting volunteers and need more people like Peggy who are interested in lending a helping hand in times of greatest need.  Please visit redcross.org, call 1-800-Red-Cross or email RecruitWNY@redcross.org to find out how you can join our team of heroes. 

Story by: Michael Tedesco, Director of Communications, American Red Cross of Western New York 

'We Had Nothing Before You Showed Up': A First-Hand Account Of A Red Cross Disaster Volunteer

How the Red Cross Helps Our Neighbors

When my partner and I arrived on the scene, the family was sitting on the curb as soot-filled water ran past their feet. The man held onto his small daughter and the woman held their baby son as they watched their house disappear into smoke and memories.

As Red Cross responders, I went to talk with the family while my partner went to talk with the fire chief and get an idea of the extent of damage to the home. The man looked up as I approached, recognizing my bright red and white Red Cross gear. His daughter looked up too, with tear streaks still visible on her face. The father wasn’t that far from tears himself. You could tell he was holding it in to be strong for his family. I sat down next to him and said hi to his daughter, Sarah, who was suddenly shy and ducked beneath her father’s arm, still paying attention to what I had to say.

Apparently the parents were just about to get the kids to bed when they smelled smoke and went downstairs to find the kitchen engulfed. They escaped only with what they were wearing and a blanket around the sleeping baby. The father kept saying that he was grateful they had each other, and that is what counted, that the little family was together.

My partner returned and I excused myself to consult with her. The fire chief had confirmed that the house was a total loss and it was unlikely anything could be salvaged.

After a brief stop to my car for supplies, I rejoined the family on the curb. As my partner started the paperwork with the mother, I brought out a stuffed toy to give to the little girl. Her eyes lit up and then I gave her another little toy to keep safe for her baby brother. She clutched both tightly, almost as tightly as her father hugged her to his chest. When I gave the parents comfort kits for each of them, the father’s eyes finally overflowed.

“We had nothing before you showed up,” the wife said. “Now we have something again, even if it is only a comb and toothbrush.”

We put Red Cross blankets across their shoulders as we talked further with the family and arranged for them to stay a couple of nights in a local hotel with a debit card to cover food and clothing costs until they could make more long-term arrangements. They would not have to stay out in the cold.

The American Red Cross was there to help this family take their first steps toward recovery. We made sure, as we do for all our neighbors facing disaster, that they were safe and warm and had food and shelter to restart their lives. The American Red Cross is ready to help you every hour of every day.

Nationally, every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to an emergency. As in this case,  Red Cross volunteers are usually members of your own community, helping neighbors whenever they are needed. Last year alone, Red Cross volunteers across the Western New York region provided immediate emergency assistance to hundreds of individuals and families following nearly 900 disaster-related events, the majority of which were home fires.

In the days and weeks to come, residents here in Western New York and across the country will rely on the support of Red Cross volunteers once again, as weather experts predict a busy disaster season this year. That's why there is a critical need for volunteers to join the American Red Cross of Western New York in helping to prepare for emergencies here at home and across the nation. 

From shelter volunteers to health professionals and disaster response, we need volunteers to help make a difference when disaster strikes. 

If you're looking to make a difference here in the Western New York region, or across the country, I encourage you to sign up for available volunteer opportunities near you or contact our local chapter at RecruitWNY@redcross.org for more information.  

Kathleen Rourke is the Red Cross community volunteer leader in Tompkins County, Spiritual Care lead and Disaster Action Team member with more than 20 years of experience. 

Sounding the Alarm to Save Lives

The world looks a bit different than it did when the American Red Cross kicked off its 2021 Sound the Alarm campaign on April 8 in Buffalo.

Chief Disaster Officer Ken Turner
joined a team of volunteers to install
free smoke alarms in Buffalo, NY on June 8

The weather is noticeably, and thankfully, warmer; we are beginning to climb out of the pandemic and reunite with loved ones and along with that the American Red Cross of Western New York has resumed free smoke alarm installations – a cornerstone of the Sound the Alarm campaign. 

Every 8 minutes, Red Cross volunteers respond to a disaster-related incident – the majority of which are home fires. Through the Sound the Alarm/Home Fire Safety campaign Red Cross volunteers focus on helping families across Western New York to prevent, respond to and recover from home fires. From helping families to create their two-minute escape plan to installing smoke alarms, volunteers within our 27-county footprint have reached thousands of homes helping to save lives.

In a COVID-19 environment, our methods looked a bit different this year. This spring, much of the campaign focused on a virtual home fire safety education component, with limited smoke alarm installations taking place through our partners with the Gates Fire Department, Paul Davis and the West Webster Fire Department.

Despite these challenges, Red Cross volunteers rose to the occasion reaching nearly 800 homes and installing more than 1,200 smoke alarms as part of the 2021 Sound the Alarm/Home Fire Safety campaign!

Red Cross volunteer Melanie Pandich reviews a home
 fire escape plan with Rochester resident Mary Kay Smyth
during the Sound the Alarm Day of Action on May 8

As a result, since its launch in 2014, more than 12,000 homes across the Western New York region have been reached, more than 30,000 free smoke alarms have been installed and most importantly, 39 lives have been saved as a direct result of the campaign.

This lifesaving work is a testament to the dedication of our Red Cross volunteers, partner organizations and sponsors including:

Installation Partners

·         Gates Fire Company

·         Paul Davis

·         West Webster Fire Department

·         Spencerport Fire Department

·         Laurelton Fire Department

·         Geneva Fire Department

Campaign Sponsors

·         NFA, National Fire Adjustment Inc.

·         National Grid

·         Corning Incorporated Foundation

·         Lewis Tree Service

·         Dryden Mutual Insurance Co.

·         ESL Federal Credit Union

·         Geico Buffalo

·         M&T Bank

·         Linde

·         DiMino’s Lewiston Tops

·         Ingram Micro

·         Paychex

·         Phillips Lytle, LLP

·         Rich Products

When the worst happens, the Red Cross is there. While the pandemic may have impacted the approach, it only served to strengthen the resolve of the Red Cross workforce and our mission. As many of us begin to resume normal activities, we encourage families to join the Red Cross in helping to end home fires within our community by learning more or signing up for a free smoke alarm today.

 

A son's promise: blood donor hosts regular drives in promise kept to late mother

I guess you could say that donating blood is, well…in Bruce Kimmey’s blood.

The Chemung county native first started donating in 1979.

“I first donated blood as a senior in high school. Initially, I did it to get out of class,” he laughed.

While it may have gotten him an excuse from class that day, it marked the first donation of what would be many thanks to the encouragement of family along the way. Bruce’s father was a local firefighter who would regularly bring him to blood drives over the course of about a decade he explained. When he married in 1992, Bruce continued the tradition donating roughly every 8 weeks with his new bride.

“You say wow, but next year my wife is going to hit 20 gallons! I’m thinking late next year, we’ve got to have a 20-gallon party for her.”

But Bruce’s record isn’t so bad himself. Now up to 51 units donated, he began volunteering at drives and acting as a courier to transport blood products to the Red Cross in West Henrietta. He also donated at drives held at the Willard Correctional Facility where he works as a Correctional Officer. He explained that prior to September 2019, the facility averaged two drives per year – then Bruce took over.

“They were looking for a blood program leader at work, so I stepped up and said sure I could do that.” 

That first drive, in his opinion, didn’t go so well. Turning to his mother for support, he received some unexpected news and along with it, the inspiration to carry on. 

“That same day I knew she had a doctor’s appointment. What I didn’t know is that it was with a hematologist. When I got home, I called her and asked how it went, and to tell her how our drive went. I told her we got 41 units and I wasn’t very happy and she said, ‘I received my first unit of blood today.’”

He explained that his mother was no longer producing enough red blood cells, and from that initial appointment went on to receive one unit of blood per week until her passing nearly 40 weeks later in July 2020 – just one week short of her 83^rd birthday.

“She asked me not to stop. Don’t stop what you’re doing, I appreciate what you’re doing. And I said I won’t stop.”

It was that conversation that inspired Bruce to turn to his Superintendent to increase drive frequencies at the facility to support patients in need like his mother. His initial plan was one drive every 16 weeks and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“They’ve been extremely supportive. A lot of jails couldn’t host blood drives because of the pandemic and drives were getting canceled left and right. So I said, what’s the possibility of us doing them every 8 weeks?”

And since July 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic and the loss of his mother, it’s been every 8 weeks.

“To me, it means life or death. Sometimes, it takes seeing that you might lose a family member,” he said. “Blood products don’t appear out of nowhere.”

For patients like Bruce’s mother, help can’t wait. Right now, the Red Cross has an emergency need for blood and platelet donors as hospitals nationwide see an increase in trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries.

All blood types are needed, particularly type O and platelets. Type O blood is the most needed by hospitals in emergency situations. Blood cannot be stockpiled and with less than a half day supply of type O in recent weeks, there is an emergency need for type O donors. 

To be able to meet the demand, the Red Cross is urging people to donate to ensure patients receive the lifesaving treatment they need. To help do your part, visit RedCrossBlood.org to find and schedule an appointment near you.