American Red Cross in Greater New York Podcast

Disasters Untold is a six-part American Red Cross in Greater NY podcast that provides an intimate look at some of the emergencies that have shaped our country over the past 20 years. It examines the Northeast Blackout of 2003, 9/11, Hurricane Maria, the 2018 Campfire (Paradise, CA), and the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Interviews with survivors, first responders, volunteers and news reporters bring different perspectives into focus and offer lessons for handling future emergencies.  

On January 15th, 2009, at 3:25 PM, a US Airways Flight, carrying 155 passengers, departed from LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, for Charlotte, North Carolina. It was a routine flight that quickly became anything but routine. Shortly after takeoff, both of the plane's engines failed, forcing the captain to make a life-and-death decision. Many called what happened next a miracle.  In this episode, we will look back at US Airways Flight 1549, also known as the Miracle on the Hudson. We'll hear from some of the passengers and crew who recall the short flight, the terrifying water landing, and the harrowing rescue. Also featured are Red Cross team members who immediately sprang into action to help on the banks of the Hudson River. Photo Caption: Photo taken during the production of the 2016 film Sully, where Red Cross volunteers served as extras, reenacting their role back in 2009.   Host: Olivia Kozlevcar Producer: Chi Kong Lui Editors: Chi Kong Lui and Ivan Morrobel Support: Michael de Vulpillieres, Barbara Gaynes and Matthew LeCorps

This episode is the second in a two-part series that looks back at the November 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed the small California town of Paradise and neighboring communities in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The wildfire, which took 85 lives, was the deadliest in California history. Part two of the series features residents who escaped the flames and those who helped community members recover. American Red Cross Gold Country Region Shelter Lead Robin Brinson (from Sacramento) helped open and run the largest shelter for Camp Fire evacuees at the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley, Calif. Chip Flores, Bonnie Flores and Klyda Flanders turned to the Red Cross for help after escaping the Camp Fire. Sadly, the historic wildfire destroyed their Paradise, Calif. Homes and neighborhoods.   Producers: Michael de Vulpillieres and Chi Kong Lui Host: Michael de Vulpillieres  Editor: Chi Kong Lui Writer: Barbara Gaynes Support: Olivia Kozlevcar and Matthew LeCorps Photo: Michael de Vulpillieres 

This episode is the first in a two-part series that looks back at the November 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed the small California town of Paradise and neighboring communities in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The wildfire, which took 85 lives, was the deadliest in California history. Part one of the series features four residents who helped saved lives amid the flames: Kevin McKay, a school bus driver in Paradise, Calif., helped rescue 22 stranded students on his bus, driving them along gridlocked, dark roads as pockets of fire burned all around them. Ponderosa Elementary School teachers Mary Petersen Ludwig and Abigail Gerspacher-Davis assisted during the journey, helping to reassure the kids and using torn, dampened pieces of a T-shirt as improvised breathing masks for the children. All the students safely reunited with their families. As the Camp Fire intensified, Allyn Pierce, a local ICU nurse at Adventist Health Feather River Hospital, worked tirelessly to help evacuate the hospital, including those with the most critical needs. After the last patients left the facility, Pierce and several colleagues evacuated in his truck. In the middle of his journey, Pierce drove back to the hospital site, amid the smoke and flames, and helped build a makeshift emergency room in the parking lot to treat new patients who found themselves stranded by the fire with nowhere else to go.   Producers: Michael de Vulpillieres and Chi Kong Lui Host: Michael de Vulpillieres  Editor: Chi Kong Lui Writer: Barbara Gaynes Support: Olivia Kozlevcar and Matthew LeCorps

On Sept. 20, 2017, Puerto Rico was hit by one of our country's most destructive natural disasters ever, Hurricane Maria.  In this episode, we hear from Red Cross team members who were on the front lines of the response to this storm, as well as two news reporters who covered the storm's impact and aftermath—all of whom have a personal connection to the island. They recall the devastation and overwhelming challenges they witnessed,  along with the spirit and resiliency of the Puerto Rican people.  The following individuals are featured: Gaby Acevedo is a reporter at NBC4 New York and Telemundo 47. He was on a special assignment in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria made landfall and covered the storm's aftermath in the days and months that followed.     Steven Colon serves as Disaster Program Manager with the American Red Cross National Capitol and Greater Chesapeake Region. Colon, who is half Puerto Rican, deployed to the island from New York, where he lived at the time, for six weeks to support recovery efforts. Nelson Lopez is a volunteer with the American Red Cross in Puerto Rico as well as a social worker. Lopez, who was personally affected by the storm, supported the Red Cross response as part of their Disaster Mental Health team.    Lisa Mateo is a reporter at Bloomberg Business. Working for PIX11 at the time, Mateo, who is Puerto Rican, traveled to the island in December of 2017 to shed a light on response efforts and to talk directly to the people to hear what they were going through. Winnie Romeril is a volunteer with the American Red Cross Western NY Region. In her time with the Red Cross, she has deployed to disasters across the country and around the world—including the 2010 Haiti earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan (2013) in the Philippines. Romeril deployed to Puerto Rico with the Red Cross about three weeks after landfall to capture stories about recovery efforts on the island.    Producer & Host: Michael de Vulpillieres  Editors: Chi Kong Lui and Olivia Kozlevcar Writer: Barbara Gaynes

In this episode, American Red Cross volunteers who were inspired to join the organization in the wake of the horrific 9/11 attacks, recall that fateful day 20 years ago and recount their experiences helping others. These everyday heroes give a voice to all who worked to provide healing and hope to fellow Americans. Each remains an active member of the Red Cross today, continuing to help those in need in their New York communities and beyond: Lumber-yard worker Sal Montoro of Syosset, N.Y., brought and distributed building materials at Ground Zero in the days and weeks after the attacks. He joined the American Red Cross on Long Island in January of 2002.  Richard Sanford, a teacher from Brooklyn, N.Y., helped transport volunteers from the Red Cross headquarters in Brooklyn to the Financial District. He joined the American Red Cross in Greater NY on September 13, 2001. Carmela Grande, a Manhattan nurse, made beds at a relief center for exhausted first responders and provided a comforting presence to victims' families. She joined the American Red Cross in Greater New York in November of 2001. Georgine Gorra, a social worker from Brooklyn, N.Y. provided emotion support to families, first responders and fellow volunteers. She joined the American Red Cross in Greater New York September 11, 2001.   Producers & Hosts: Olivia Kozlevcar and Michael de Vulpillieres  Editors: Olivia Kozlevcar and Chi Kong Lui Photo: Daniel Cima

Today, we'll remember one of the most widespread power outages in recent memory, an emergency that put our great City to the test.  On a warm late summer afternoon 18 years ago this week, all of a sudden, it seemed as though the world went dark. On August 14, 2003, the Northeastern US and parts of Southeastern Canada, an area with a population of 50 million people, lost power. In NYC it would last more than 24 hours.   The summer heat, hours without electricity, communications disruptions, and memories of 9/11 brought with it a host of worries and hazards. But New York City came together. In this episode we'll be hearing from some of the agencies and organizations, including the Red Cross, tasked with keeping New Yorkers safe and informed.  The following individuals are featured in the episode: Robert McGrath, volunteer, American Red Cross in Greater NY Sharon Hawa, former employee, American Red Cross in Greater NY Thomas J. Richardson, Chief of Department, FDNY Glenn Schuck, 1010WINS reporter News Clips: NBC Nightly News, Eyewitness News ABC7NY   Producer & Host: Michael de Vulpillieres Editor: Mackenzie Lynch Story Editor: Chi Kong Lui

Dr. Joseph Prewitt is a pioneer in the field of disaster mental health with decades of international and domestic field experience following disasters. In his time with the American Red Cross he has supported 52 domestic deployments across the US. Internationally, he has worked in 29 different countries with the organization. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Prewitt is a highly-accredited educational psychologist with degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Connecticut, and the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. In this final episode of our second season we discuss how his long and accomplished Red Cross career led him to a unique role supporting vulnerable communities dealing with the pandemic.    Producer & Host: Michael de Vulpillieres Editor: Mackenzie Lynch

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been an outpouring of interest from residents seeking out new ways to give back to their communities. Vanessa Diez, from Yonkers, N.Y., is a full time student pursuing her master’s in public administration/emergency management and a full time social worker, helping immigrant youth in NYC. She is a remarkable young woman who, despite a busy schedule,  made it a priority to serve through the American Red Cross as a volunteer. She recently joined the Red Cross and just graduated from our Disaster Action Team Academy, a specialized training program for our volunteer leaders. In this conversation, she talked about her passion for helping others and her work with the Red Cross providing assistance to individuals affected by local emergencies during the pandemic. Producer & Host: Michael de Vulpillieres

Our military communities sacrifice so much in “ordinary” times, but COVID-19 has brought new anxiety and uncertainty to their unique situations. For nearly 140 years, the American Red Cross has been there for active and retired service members and their families at every stage of service. During the pandemic, we have adapted our work to these trying times.This Red Cross program goes by the name of Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and takes many different forms in communities and on military installations across the US and on bases all over the world.Katherine Jones, Asia-Pacific Division Manager for the American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces Program, supports military men and women at Yokota Air Base outside of Tokyo, Japan. In this short podcast discussion, she discusses the many different ways she supports service members overseas 24/7, 365 days a year. She also talks a her unique history with the Red Cross and her commitment to service.  Producer & Host: Michael de Vulpillieres

When 22-year-old, recent college grad Nick Montoro learned that he could assist on the ground in Louisiana, shortly after Hurricane Laura made landfall, he immediately raised his hand and volunteered to help, a decision that made his father, Sal Montoro, very proud. His dad Sal is a longtime volunteer who has dedicated a big part of his life to service through the Red Cross. In our conversation, Nick discusses what he is seeing and doing in some of the hardest hit areas, the experience of deploying for hurricane relief during a pandemic, and the importance, to his family, of giving back. Producer & Host: Michael de VulpillieresEditor: Chi Kong Lui

From inconvenience to economic strain to emotional drain, COVID-19 has complicated life for us all. But the impact on young kids and their parents is unique. Kids are coping with confusion, sadness, worry and at times loneliness brought on by this strange and stressful moment. Parents are dealing with their children’s anxiety and their own concerns, all while juggling the new roles forced upon them by the pandemic. For this episode of the podcast, we’ll be talking about kids, coronavirus and preparedness. We will hear from three different Red Cross experts who will discuss the emotional impact that COVID-19 is having on kids and ways parents can help keep their kids safe during this crisis and prepared for future emergencies.Alec Cecil is a psychologist, formerly with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and currently at Montefiore Medical Center. He works primarily with underserved adolescents and young adults, as well as their families. With the Red Cross, Alec supports our Disaster Mental Health and Service to the Armed Forces teams.Jason Lyons leads our preparedness programs at the American Red Cross in Greater NY. Jason is also the father of a young baby girl who was born early during the pandemic.Alex Poku, a five-year Red Cross volunteer, teaches kids how to prepare for emergencies and how to cope when disasters occur. Producer & Host: Michael de VulpillieresEditor: Will Wu

Losing your home and all your belongings to a fire or other disaster is incredibly traumatic but imagine being confronted with such loss and uncertainty in the middle of a global pandemic. That’s what makes the work of Red Cross team members, who come to the aid of these individuals, so critical. As this coronavirus crisis has evolved, the Red Cross has adapted the way we respond to local disasters with new safety measures including remote casework and registration, social distancing in the field and the use of face masks. But we are still providing critical relief.For this podcast episode we interviewed longtime Red Cross volunteer Phil Cogan. Phil works as a dispatcher for the Red Cross, helping to coordinate disaster relief behind the scenes, in our Emergency Communications Center, or ECC. The ECC normally operates out of our Hell’s Kitchen Headquarters but because of COVID19, this work is now done remotely. Phil discusses how the Red Cross currently responds to these local emergencies that are still occurring every day and shares some of the types of calls he is receiving from the general public. Producer & Editor: Will WuHost: Michael de Vulpillieres

We are bringing back our podcast for a few short coronavirus conversations. For our first episode, we spoke with long-time Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer Dr. Thomas Hlenski about emotional toll that this is having on us all and ways we can cope despite our unique and different circumstances.In his role at the Red Cross, Tom draws on his work as an experienced mental health practitioner to help individuals cope with the fear, trauma and stress brought on by disasters. He does this work locally and at times he deploys to disasters outside our region like mass shooting and wildfires. Producer & Editor: Will WuHosts: Michael de Vulpillieres and Andrew Sindell

As a Disaster Spiritual Care volunteer, Rabbi Stephen Roberts provides a very unique form of assistance following emergencies large and small. Working alongside team members from different faiths, he tends to the spiritual needs of individuals recovering from trauma and tragedy by providing them with safe space in which to cope. And in doing this work, he also carries forward a long-standing family legacy of service.Rabbi Stephen Roberts has volunteered with the American Red Cross for 20 years. He is currently the lead for the Disaster Spiritual Care Function within the American Red Cross in Greater New York. Previously, he served on the American Red Cross National Spiritual Care Oversight Committee from 2000-2016. In 2016 he contributed to the launch of the Disaster Spiritual Care Function within the American Red Cross. Further, Rabbi Roberts served four years on the National American Red Cross President’s National Diversity Advisory Committee.Rabbi Roberts is also the co-editor of Disaster Spiritual Care 2nd Edition: Practical Clergy Responses to Community, Regional and National Tragedy which is the first comprehensive book for pastoral care in the face of disaster. His other publications include An Invitation to Chaplaincy Research: Entering the Process, Compassion Fatigue Among Chaplains, Clergy and Other Respondents After September 11and Jewish Pastoral Care in Wake of a Disaster. Rabbi Roberts is also the editor of Professional Spiritual and Pastoral Care: A Practical Clergy and Chaplain's Handbook. Producer & Editor: Chi Kong LuiHosts: Michael de Vulpillieres and Andrew Sindell

Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing. These words of wisdom are best exemplified by the career of Red Cross IT specialist and international disaster responder Andy Li. Li has often been struck by some apprehension when confronted with the task of supporting major relief operations following some of the largest natural disasters in recent history, but in each instance, no matter what the challenge, his training and instincts took and over allowed him to accomplish the task at hand.For more than a decade, Andy has served as IT Specialist, a role that has seen him support the organization at the local and national level. During this time, Andy has been called upon to provide IT Support during large-scale relief operations in the continental US and overseas territories: Hurricane Sandy in Greater NY in 2012-13, historic flooding in Louisiana in 2016, Typhoon Soudelor in Saipan in 2016, and Cyclone Gita in American Samoa 2018.In additional to his work as an IT Specialist, Andy is also a member of the International Disaster Response Delegate Team, a highly specialized and select group of individuals who deploy to offer their expertise on the ground following complex emergencies across the globe. In March/April of this year Andy deployed support a Canadian Red Cross field hospital in Mozambique following Cyclone Idai in 2019. A few months after our interview, Li traveled to the Bahamas to support Hurricane Dorian relief. Producer: Chi Kong LuiEditor: John CunninghamHost: Michael de VulpillieresPhoto: Katie Wilkes

For many, balancing work and family life is challenging enough let alone finding time for the causes we care most deeply about. What makes Conrad Meyer such a model for those who want to make a difference in the world is how, throughout the different stages of his corporate and retired life, he always found time to not only give back, but to involve his family.During his 25-year career on Wall Street, Conrad was a founding member of Lehman Brothers' Mergers and Acquisitions Department and went on to run the global M&A new business development efforts of Morgan Stanley and Gleacher Partners.In retirement, Conrad has been involved with a number of non-profit organizations. He is currently a board member the American Red Cross in Greater New York, Chairman of The Blacksmith Institute/Pure Earth, and a board member and Vice Chair of the Hudson River Museum. He is also an active volunteer for each of these groups. Producer: Chi Kong LuiEditor: Sue TranHost: Michael de VulpillieresPhoto: Kevin Suttlehan

Everyone can look back into their past and point to one or two defining moments that forever changed the course of their lives. For Judy Audevard that moment came the day her pet Kizzy opened her eyes and her heart to the incredible healing power of dogs. Judy eventually gave up her successful corporate career to dedicate her life to bringing therapy animals to adults and children suffering from anxiety, tragedy and trauma.  Judy Audevard is President and Founder of the Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause Pet Therapy Program. This is a 501C3 organization who have over 100 Therapy Dog teams affiliated with them. Her work has been recognized by prominent organizations like the United States Military Academy at West Point and the American Red Cross. She has written a nonfiction children’s book called One Incredible dog Kizzy and co-authored a book called At Your Service. Stories about Therapy Dogs and how they help the people they serve. Producer & Editor: Chi Kong LuiHosts: Michael de Vulpillieres and Andrew Sindell

Imagine arriving at work one morning greeted by the sight of smoke, and embers falling from the sky. Imagine a situation that deteriorates very quickly, one that forces your entire workplace, and your entire town to evacuate. Imagine escaping town in your vehicle and seeing nothing but smoke and fire all around you. And, finally imagine a six-hour drive to safety knowing that your home is probably destroyed.These circumstances were very real for the residents of Paradise, California where, on November 8, 2018, a massive wildfire devastated this tightknit community. Abigail Gerspacher-Davis and Mary Petersen Ludwig, teachers from Paradise, were among the many heroes who helped save lives that day. Driven by school bus driver Kevin McKay, Abigail and Mary helped evacuate a group of 22 young students from Ponderosa Elementary School and accompanied them on a long and terrifying ride to safety.On October 16, 2019, Kevin, Mary and Abigail were recognized for their courage and compassion at the 2019 American Red Cross in Greater NY Heroes Among Us Gala. Producer: Craig CooperEditor: Chi Kong LuiHost: Michael de Vulpillieres

Society has become more socially conscious than ever before, especially young people. But finding one's place in the world, where one can contribute and make a difference, can often feel overwhelming. At the same time, parents struggle with how to instill civic minded values in their children. That’s what makes Eli Russ’ story not only remarkable, but also instructional for those looking to find their way. Eli learned the value of service at an early age, almost by chance...and it changed the course of his life.Eli first joined in 2009 as a member of his high school Red Cross youth club. From 2017 to 2019 he served as the Long Island Chapter's Mass Care Manager. Before and after taking on this position, Eli has held numerous volunteer roles for the organization.In addition to supporting the Red Cross at dozen's of local disasters, Eli has also deployed in leadership roles to several major domestic and international emergencies, including as the Deputy Assistant Director for Response for Typhoon Yutu in the Northern Mariana Islands as well as the Sheltering Lead at the American Red Cross National Emergency Operations Center for Hurricane Florence.This fall, Eli Russ celebrated 10 years as an American Red Cross team member, a few weeks shy of his 25th birthday.Eli currently works as an associate at an Emergency Management consulting firm in Manhattan. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2017 with a BA in Public Health. Producer: Chi Kong LuiEditor: Sue TranHost: Michael de VulpillieresPhoto: Kevin Suttlehan

Vivian Moy is an active American Red Cross volunteer from Port Washington, N.Y. who supports the organization's home fire safety program, provides assistance at local disasters and serves as a Public Affairs representative.At times Viv travels to large disasters outside the Greater New York region, like major flooding in Texas, devastating wildfires in Northern California and a Nor'easter in Massachusetts.Last June, Viv organized an unofficial delegation from the American Red Cross to attend an annual gathering of Red Cross/Red Crescent volunteers from around the world in Solferino, Italy, the birthplace of the Red Cross. Producer: Chi Kong LuiEditor: Sue TranHost: Michael de Vulpillieres

Alec Cecil is a psychologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, working primarily with underserved adolescents and young adults and their families.He joined the American Red Cross in 2001 after the crash of AA Flight 587 in Queens. As part of his work with the Red Cross, Alec volunteers with the organization's Service to the Armed Forces Program (running Reconnection Workshops), he teaches Psychological First Aid and Disaster Mental Health Fundamentals, and he deploys nationally to provide Disaster Mental Health support following major emergencies like Hurricane Harvey and the Parkland shooting. Producer: Chi Kong LuiEditor: Sue TranHosts: Michael de Vulpillieres and Abigail Adams

The American Red Cross in Greater New York Podcast is a collection of short, intimate conversations with everyday heroes who give back and help others suffering from trauma and tragedy. The theme of this first season is "Humanitarians of New York."