A Real Red Cross Life Saver

Jim Updike, shown with wife Ruth and former state legislator Barbara Granlund, saved the life of a client while delivering a meal to her home.

The American Red Cross Senior Nutrition Program is more than just a meal. Through dedicated volunteers like Jim Updike, 83, and programs like Home Delivered Meals, sponsored by the American Red Cross Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter, the American Red Cross saves lives.

Recently, Jim Updike's caring concern, quick actions and determination saved the life of a client during his Home Delivered Meals route.

Every other Thursday, Jim drives out to the Red Cross Senior Lunch Site located at St. Nicholas Church in Gig Harbor, Wash. He picks up his meals and makes deliveries to 12-18 clients on his route. Jim has been delivering meals to homebound seniors in the area for the past 13 years.

Many areas on Jim's route are rural, making it difficult for seniors who are homebound to go to the grocery store or access local resources.

At the third stop on his delivery route, Jim knocked on the door but received no reply. "I had a feeling something was just not quite right," Jim said. He had been delivering meals to the woman who lived at this home for six months. It would have been unusual for her not to be at home when he came to deliver her weekly meals.

Jim knocked again. He could hear his client's dog barking at the door, but there was still no response from her. With each knock, he started to become more worried.

Jim hurried to the apartment complex management office to seek help. He told the staff that it was an emergency and convinced them to go with him to open the door to his client's apartment.

When they opened the door, Jim found his client slumped on the floor. They called out his client's name and heard a faint response. She was still alive, but needed advanced medical help quickly. Jim knew that every second counted. He instructed one of the women to call 911 right away. A medical unit was dispatched to the scene.

A few days later, Jim learned that the situation could have been much worse if he had not been there that day making his delivery and insisting that the apartment staff open the door. His client would have remained on lying on the floor for at least two more days before anyone would have found her. No one else was expected to visit her until then.

Jim's client is recovering now. Her family is grateful that Jim was there that day.

Mildred Smith, director of community services, said, "Jim Updike's courage and unselfish character embodies the true spirit of the American Red Cross."

Jim doesn't consider himself to be a lifesaver or even a hero. "What I want people to know is what this volunteer work has meant to me," he said. "People need to be needed. Since my retirement this work has given me a reason to get up in the morning. I know my life has value. I've received a great deal out of this activity. Much more than I've given."

The Home Delivered Meals Program is more than just meals. It serves as a lifeline for many seniors throughout Pierce County. The program helps seniors maintain their independence by providing delicious and healthy meals.

The Home Delivered Meals Program delivers meals to Pierce County seniors, who are 60 years or older, and homebound due to an illness or incapacitating disability. During weekly deliveries, Red Cross staff serves as gatekeepers checking on senior's health, well being, and safety.

Last year, 751 seniors in Pierce County received over 96,400 home delivered meals from the Red Cross.

The Red Cross Senior Nutrition Program also includes 18 Senior Lunch Sites located throughout Pierce County. Seniors can enjoy a delicious hot meal in a warm social environment and meet new friends. Many lunch sites offer wellness programs such as blood pressure screenings, foot care, and diabetes screenings.

For more information about the Home Delivered Meals program or other Red Cross services, please call the American Red Cross Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter at (253)474-0400.