The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois is honoring a local brother and sister, Marqus and Ashley Valentine of Lisle, as the Blood Services Heroes at the organization’s 17th Annual Heroes Breakfast. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 1 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. For more information please call 312.729.6178 or go to website: redcross.org/heroes.
Marqus was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when he was just six months old. Although Marqus was given a short-life expectancy by doctors, he beat the odds and credits his family’s support. Two years ago, Marqus, now 35, and his younger sister Ashley, founded the non-profit organization Sick Cells to promote awareness of and advocacy for the sickle cell community. Ashley, who holds a master’s degree in research methods advocates to government officials locally and in Washington, D.C. for improved health care coverage and treatment for sickle cell patients across the country.
“It’s with great honor that the American Red Cross includes among this year’s group of heroes, siblings Marqus and Ashley. Their commitment to bring awareness of Sickle Cell disease, and their advocacy work is truly inspiring”, said Celena Roldán, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois.
Additional honorees were selected in 11 community service categories. Heroes were chosen by an independent committee of leaders in the business and civic community. For the complete list of 2019 Heroes, visit redcross.org/heroes.
The 2019 Heroes Breakfast is made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors including: Walgreens, ITW, Kirkland & Ellis, Northern Trust and United Airlines.
About the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois:
The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois serves 9.5 million people in 21 counties, including Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Jo Daviess, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will and Winnebago. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at redcross.org/il/chicago or visit us on Twitter @ChicagoRedCross.