By: Ana Gomez, American Red Cross

Kay E. Martley doesn’t consider herself extraordinary. “I’m not a corporation executive or wealthy,” she says with a modest smile. “But I have time and love to give to volunteering.” At 87, she’s been doing just that for over five decades—quietly and consistently showing up for her community. 

Born and raised in Colorado, Kay’s roots are grounded in service. Her parents were ranchers who also served in state government, and her mother, a schoolteacher, firmly believed in giving back. “She encouraged us to volunteer our time and energy,” Kay recalls. “She believed that’s how you make the world a better place.” 

That early influence led Kay down a path of lifelong service. She started volunteering through the Girl Scouts when she enrolled her own children and quickly realized she had much to offer young people. Later, she became involved in supporting breast cancer survivors. “I loved giving strength to others,” she says. “It made me a better person—and a stronger one.” 

Some of her most cherished memories come from these moments of connection: Girl Scouts standing in a circle, singing together at a closing ceremony; groups of cancer survivors lifting their arms in triumph at an event. These are the moments that reaffirm her belief in community and resilience. 

Even in the face of personal hardship, Kay never stepped away from giving back. After suffering a stroke in 2022 and losing her husband not long after, she made a choice: to keep going. “Both were just brief moments,” she says. “To survive and laugh and smile, I had to get back into the community. That’s what gave me strength—to see joy in others.” 

While she now paces herself and volunteers in smaller increments, her commitment is as strong as ever. She acknowledges it can be hard to motivate others. “People don’t always realize how rewarding it is to help someone else. And I think the pandemic made it harder—people forgot how to work together as a group.” Still, she gently encourages others to join her, often inviting friends to try volunteering alongside her, just to see what it’s all about. 

Over the years, Kay has received numerous awards for her dedication—but each one still surprises her. “I think I sound pretty corny sometimes,” she laughs. “I truly love every award I’ve received, and I’m always amazed. When Joanie said she was nominating me for the Red Cross Award, I giggled and said, ‘You’re wasting your time!’ I was shocked when I found out I’d actually be receiving it.” 

For Kay, the real reward is the people. “A hug from someone I’ve helped—that’s the best. I’ve made friends all over Denver through volunteering. When I see them, I always get a big smile and a big hug.” 

Though some of her favorite projects have ended, her spirit hasn’t faded. She continues to show up, share her time, and make a difference—often without fanfare, always with heart. “Somehow, a volunteer opportunity always finds me,” she says. 

And in Kay Martley’s world, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. 

The American Red Cross thanks The Anschutz Foundation, Haulistic, Civitas Resources Inc., and Tallgrass Energy for making this award possible and for supporting our mission in Colorado and Wyoming.