The American Red Cross Northern New England Region

New Vermont Executive Director reflects on the mission and her connection to the Red Cross

By Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager

“It was an old farmhouse, so it just went up. I grabbed the photo albums. My sister grabbed the dog. We got outside and it was gone. It was that quick. It was the first time I saw my dad cry.”

Sarah Lemnah was 13 years old living in Vermont when her family faced a devastating home fire. That was her first experience with the American Red Cross. Earlier this fall, she was named the executive director of the Vermont chapter of the Red Cross.

A Brother’s Battle with Sickle Cell Disease Inspires Others to Raise Awareness and Donate Blood

 By Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager

“At the time, I didn't know what sickle cell disease was. I can remember my brother always agonizing about how much pain he was in, watching him go in and out of the hospital. That process right there was very scary. That was something I'll never forget in my life.”

Shawn Pratt was too young, at the time, to understand the pain his older brother, Milton, was going through. His brother suffered with sickle cell disease and would often be in pain for days, and even weeks, at a time.

“He had a lot of energy. He was very good to be around,” said Pratt. “I can remember those bouts of when he was not going through it. You see a happy person.”