In an instant, real people become Real Heroes!
It is under the simple yet powerful ideal of one person putting their own needs aside to help another that the Red Cross works to provide relief to those impacted by disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Our “Real Heroes” event celebrates American Red Cross mission and spirit of humanitarianism by honoring individuals in Central and Northern New York who have shown courage, dedication, and selfless character by their acts of heroism or volunteerism to assist those in need within their communities.
Please join us as we pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated these ideals through their actions.
Your support makes a difference to the thousands of our very own neighbors who are helped through emergency services, preparedness and education programs, and health and safety programs provided by your local Red Cross.
As we look ahead to next year’s celebration, we invite you to help us identify the next group of extraordinary individuals who embody these values. If you know someone whose actions have made a meaningful impact in their community, please submit a nomination using the form below.
Do you know someone who has saved a life through extraordinary action or preparedness or who has made a meaningful impact in the community this year?
Now is your chance to honor them.
The Central and Northern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking nominations for our annual Real Heroes Celebration event, to be held November 19, 2026 in East Syracuse, NY.
Nomination Guidelines:
American Red Cross, ATTN Real Heroes, 33 Everett Road Albany, NY 12205
Scan and email to Development.ENY@redcross.org
Or submit your nominee with our online form HERE
For questions about your nomination, please email Development.ENY@redcross.org.
Community Impact Hero Award
An individual, group, or organization that has displayed leadership and commitment to community by making a positive, noticeable, and significant impact through their efforts; the nominee has identified a community need and created a program or service or took action to address that need.
Red Cross Mission: Blood Services Hero
An individual, group, or organization involved in activities that create awareness of the importance of blood donation in the community, helps to ensure a sufficient and safe blood supply is available to those in need, and/or acts as an activist for the blood community at large.
Red Cross Mission: Disaster Services Hero
An individual, group, or organization who has exhibited heroic efforts to assist others in need in any or all the areas of disaster services, including preparedness, response, or recovery during a disaster or emergency, or responded to the needs of a community that experienced a disaster or emergency through acts of kindness, courage, or selflessness.
Red Cross Mission: Military Hero
An individual or group of U.S. service member(s) (active, reserve, and guard), veteran(s), military supporter(s), or an organization that serves the military, that has exhibited heroic efforts in response to an emergency or is/was involved in an ongoing commitment to the community through acts of kindness, courage, or selflessness in response to an identified need. Nominees could have been on- or off-duty at the time of the heroic act, which need not be associated with the use of skills directly related to their profession or training.
Red Cross Mission: Emergency Services Hero
A fire fighter, law enforcement professional, paramedic, emergency medical services (EMS) representative, or other medical professional that has exhibited heroic efforts, acting above and beyond the call of duty, to save the life of another or prevent serious injury, or is/was involved in an ongoing commitment to their community through acts of kindness, courage, or selflessness in response to an identified need.
Red Cross Mission: Adult Good Samaritan Hero
An individual or group (age 18+) that has exhibited heroic efforts and that has used life-saving skills (i.e. lifeguard, CPR, or first aid training) to save the life of another or prevent serious injury, or is/was involved in an ongoing commitment to their community through acts of kindness, courage, or selflessness in response to an identified need.
Red Cross Mission: Youth Good Samaritan Hero
An individual or group (under age 18) that has exhibited heroic efforts and that has used life-saving skills (i.e. lifeguard, CPR, or first aid training) to save the life of another or prevent serious injury, or is/was involved in an ongoing commitment to their community through acts of kindness, courage, or selflessness in response to an identified need.
