Aimee Nolan’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 55 years old. At the time, Aimee was living out of state with two young children of her own, so her grandmother stepped in as caregiver — supporting Aimee’s mother until her passing at 62. Heartbreakingly, Aimee’s grandmother died just 10 days later, perhaps with […]
Every night, when the sun goes down, more than one billion people around the world are plunged into total darkness. For many of us, flipping on a light is second nature. But for families living in extreme poverty, darkness brings danger, lost opportunity, and hopelessness. Without light, education stalls, entrepreneurship fades, and economic freedom slips […]
When I’m asked, “How are you?,” my knee-jerk reaction is to quickly just say, “Fine” or “Good.” But a couple of years ago, I remember being stopped in my tracks when an acquaintance paused after my automatic reply and asked me again, “How are you, really, dear?” She saw right through my hasty answer and […]
When Mia became a first-time mom at 21, she didn’t feel ready. But with the help of a dedicated nurse through the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program, she found the support she needed to face life’s challenges — and the strength to build a future for herself and her son. That support would prove life-changing. Years […]
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago proudly celebrated the 2025 class of heroes at the annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on April 30. These individuals have gone above and beyond to build stronger, safer communities and have made a lasting impact through their selfless actions. The Heroes Breakfast was established to raise public awareness of local heroes […]
Language shapes how we understand the world and each other. In discussions about disability and inclusion, the words we use can either affirm and uplift or alienate and harm. Choosing the right language is essential to fostering a world where everyone feels valued and included. When talking about disability, some people avoid the term entirely, […]
The town of Highland Park, a tight-knit community north of Chicago, has been grappling with the fallout of the July 4, 2022, mass shooting that turned a holiday parade into a scene of horror. Seven people were killed and nearly 50 others injured when a rooftop gunman opened fire with an AR-style rifle. Nearly three […]
In a time when many nonprofits are struggling to sustain year-over-year support — and donors seek more transparency about where their money goes — a small church just north of Chicago has quietly built a model of grassroots philanthropy that’s helped dozens of local organizations not just survive, but thrive. Kenilworth Union Church’s approach might […]
Loneliness isn’t just an emotion — it’s a growing public health crisis. A 2023 Gallup Poll found that one in four people around the world report significant loneliness, while another 27 percent say they feel at least a little lonely. And surprisingly, it’s not just older adults who are affected. The highest rates of loneliness […]
This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.” As a member of the American Red Cross Climate […]
