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The American Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes, around the clock, 365 days a year. But our humanitarian work wouldn't be possible without our tireless volunteers, who constitute 97 percent of our total work force.
Red Cross "everyday heroes" come from all walks of life and from all age groups. Everyone has something special to offer and everyone has an inspiring story to tell. There are many faces of service, and these are their stories.
Sept. 11 Inspires Young Afghan Volunteer to Help Red Cross
May 10, 2002 —The 21-year-old American Red Cross volunteer's heart breaks for the country her parents fled when she was still a baby. Even before Afghanistan grabbed media attention following Sept. 11, Khatera Panjsheri, a senior studying communication and public relations at George Mason University, in Fairfax, Va., worried about the plight of the war-torn, drought stricken nation. She knew from her parents' stories how hard life could be there.
As graduation approaches, Panjsheri is still undecided about what the future may hold, but she knows one thing for sure: "I don't know where I'm headed but whatever I do, I will help Afghanistan," she said. Panjsheri has volunteered at Red Cross headquarters for nearly three months, helping the Disaster Public Affairs Team. As an intern, Panjsheri also has learned how to write press releases, deal with media and answer questions from reporters.
Thousands of new volunteers signed up to help after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
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Although Panjsheri didn't grow up in Afghanistan, the story of her family's escape from the beleaguered country has instilled in her a desire to help those still suffering there. Her father was imprisoned by the Soviets for inexplicable reasons in late 1978. After a week, he was freed in exchange for her grandfather, who pleaded to take his son's place.
To escape the threat of future punishment, Panjsheri's father quickly left for the United States. Panjsheri was three months old when her mother and 2-year-old sister sought refuge in New Delhi, India, where they lived for two years before her father saved enough money as a Washington, D.C., cab driver to bring them to America in 1981. By then, Panjsheri was 2 years old.
In the United States, the family faced a challenge to learn a new language and culture. Panjsheri's parents soon discovered, though, that their daughter faced an especially rough road. Panjsheri's preschool teacher told them that their 3-year-old daughter might be deaf.
Doctors couldn't say whether little Panjsheri was born with her disability or whether it developed as a result of an ear infection she contracted in India. She was diagnosed with "severe" hearing loss and given a hearing aid that minimally aids her in deciphering sounds.
Doctors also told Panjsheri's parents that she would be able to learn how to read lips and speak only one language. Because America was now her home, they decided to teach her English, just as they were learning the new language themselves.
Today, Panjsheri is fluent in English, and it is almost impossible to tell that she is deaf. "I don't consider myself deaf because I'm a lip reader," she said.
Like thousands of other new Red Cross volunteers, Panjsheri felt compelled to help the organization after the terrorist attacks: "After September 11, I wanted to do something to help out humanitarily, and the American Red Cross is everywhere — no matter what happens."
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All American Red Cross disaster assistance is provided at no cost, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross also supplies nearly half of the nation's lifesaving blood. This, too, is made possible by generous voluntary donations. To help the victims of disaster, you may make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. To donate blood, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or contact your local Red Cross to find out about upcoming blood drives.
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