Betty Lopez-Castro was first introduced to the American Red Cross in 2005 when her next-door neighbor asked for a lift to a nearby supply distribution site. Twenty-four hours prior, a hurricane had just hit South Florida and her neighbor was going to collect water and canned goods to get her through the next few days without electricity. When Betty arrived at the Red Cross managed site, she was impressed with how quickly and efficiently relief supplies were being distributed to her community so soon after a disastrous hurricane. Betty’s late father had always encouraged her to give back to her community, and she knew in that visit that she had found a place to contribute her time, talent and treasure. Soon after, Betty joined the Red Cross and is currently a Tiffany Circle member of The Greater Miami and The Keys Chapter.

Deborah Koch, Executive Director for The Greater Miami and The Keys Chapter of the Red Cross, shares about Betty, “As someone who has experienced all aspects of the Red Cross mission, Betty’s dedication comes from her heart. Her spirit of community and philanthropy inspire those around her and echo the values of humanity and compassion that govern the work of the Red Cross.”

As a Tiffany Circle member, Betty saw first-hand how the Red Cross shows up to provide support after a tragedy. When her father passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Strasbourg, a small city on the border of France and Germany, she received a call from a fellow Tiffany Circle member offering comfort, care and a shoulder to lean on. Betty was grateful to know she could count on an internationally recognized organization and its local members to support her and her family during this traumatic experience.

Once again, the Red Cross played a role in Betty’s life nine years ago when a fire broke out in her home. When a home fire occurs, every second counts and having working smoke alarms can significantly decrease the risk of death and damage. In Betty’s case, her smoke alarm system was activated, and the local fire department arrived on the scene quickly. Fortunately, the fire was contained in Betty’s garage, and her home suffered minor smoke damage. Within hours of the incident, Betty received a call from the Red Cross offering help and a place to stay. Since she had not yet shared the news of the incident, she was surprised to receive the phone call but not shocked. After years of hearing ‘And the Red Cross has contacted the family’ on local TV news, Betty realized the power and reach of the Red Cross. Betty has continued to support the mission of the Red Cross through her work with the Tiffany Circle and affirms that the Red Cross will forever be a part of her life.

Most people don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire – which is our country’s most frequent disaster. That’s why the Red Cross encourages you to test your smoke alarms each month and practice a fire escape plan with everyone in your household. Visit redcross.org/homefire for more information on how to keep your family safe when the worst happens.

Written by Stephanie Wesseling, American Red Cross Public Affairs