On April 30, 2025, more than 800 guests filled the Hilton Chicago ballroom for the 23rd Annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast — an uplifting celebration of ordinary individuals doing the extraordinary. Hosted by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, the event honored 12 exceptional people whose courage, compassion, and service have made a […]
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 […]
On May 11, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago continued its time-honored tradition of recognizing some of Chicago’s outstanding community advocates who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to build and maintain better communities, and who have made a lasting impact on others in the process. At the 20th annual Red Cross […]
This Veteran’s Day, the American Red Cross of Illinois is proud to honor veteran armed forces members for their bravery and service. Akbar Arsiwala, a U.S. Navy veteran is the recipient of the 2021 Military Hero Award. When he learned that the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center was forced to close its food pantry due to the pandemic, Akbar sprang […]
In 2005, Claire Liszkay went on a trip to Nicaragua and what was originally a personal mission to learn Spanish turned into a life-changing experience. Liszkay watched workers at a local hospital strike over a lack of resources and funds. “I saw the disparity between folks who have and folks who don’t have. I had […]
As a 41-year veteran firefighter, Michael Casagrande has faced more than 2,000 fires. A Kankakee Fire Department captain, Casagrande is experienced in putting out fires, but knows that fighting fires before they happen is the ultimate battle. Casagrande, who leads the Fire Prevention Division for the City of Kankakee, is dedicated to fire prevention and […]
At only 9-years-old, Charmin BoClaire became a hero to her entire family when she used the fire safety training she learned in school to quickly and safely evacuate her family from their burning home in October 2017. Charmin was in the kitchen when the fire started. She saw her mom’s legs catch on fire and […]
