The American Red Cross Greater New York Region today announced Anthony Rosa Compres, Oswaldo Dela Cruz, and Dr. Theodore Strange are the 2019 Heroes Among Us Good Samaritan Honorees. These local heroes and other honorees will be recognized on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the 2019 Heroes Among Us Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan.

“Every day I am inspired by the big-hearted volunteers who deliver the Red Cross mission down the street, across the country and around the world. Our Good Samaritan honorees are our fellow New Yorkers, who took the time to help another person in their time of need. These heroes embody the spirit of service shared by Red Crossers around the world. We are so honored to recognize Mr. Compres, Mr. Dela Cruz, and Dr. Strange, who represent the best of our City,” said Susan Rounds, interim CEO of the American Red Cross Greater New York Region.

Dr. Theodore Strange of Staten Island, NY, is a 2019 Good Samaritan for his lifesaving efforts during the 2018 TCS NYC Marathon. During the race, Dr. Strange performed CPR on a fellow runner and worked with emergency responders to administer a defibrillator. After she began breathing on her own and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance, Dr. Strange went on to complete his own race. Dr. Strange is the vice chairman of primary care at Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health.

When Anthony Rosa Compres was a senior at International Community High School, he completed a New York state mandated CPR class. Just two weeks later, he performed life-saving CPR on a community member who collapsed in his neighborhood in the Bronx. His instructor, Oswaldo Dela Cruz, also from the Bronx, has dedicated his life to teaching and empowering kids. He is deeply committed to teaching local kids CPR and, to date, has taught these lifesaving skills to nearly 500 students.

The American Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to fulfill its critical mission. Proceeds raised during the Gala will enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, home fires, and countless other crisis. 

Sponsors of the 2019 American Red Cross Heroes Among Us Gala include, Jones Lang LaSalle, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Ogilvy, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo, Barclays, BNY Mellon, Citi, Marsh & McLennan Companies, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.

Sponsorships for the American Red Cross Heroes Among Us Gala are available for purchase by contacting the Red Cross via email. Tickets for the event are available online.

About the American Red Cross:
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 redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNY

Contact:

Michael de Vulpillieres

American Red Cross Greater NY Region

Communications Officer

646 627 9328

media.gny@redcross.org