By: Ara Rexford

For nearly three decades, Norma Wasserstrom has dedicated her career to helping others.

For 27 years with the American Red Cross, Norma has worked behind the scenes to make blood drives possible. As an Account Manager III, she partners with schools, businesses, and community organizations to organize donation events, ensuring hospitals have the blood they need to save lives.

“Blood collection means a lot to me personally,” she said. “I am the person who brings in the blood products for the patients. If I’m not doing my job, then the blood isn’t there.”

Norma didn’t always plan to work in nonprofit service. With a background in communications, she began her career in the corporate world at Nationwide Insurance. But something was missing.

“I wanted to do something more meaningful, something that gave back to the community and the world,” she said.

That desire led her to the Red Cross in 1998. Over the years, her role evolved, but her mission remained the same: connect donors to patients in need. Her work has even earned recognition, including an honor from the Columbus City Council for her contributions to sickle cell blood collection efforts. Despite decades of advocating for others, Norma never expected to face a life-changing health journey of her own.

In August of 2025, Norma noticed something unusual: persistent soreness that didn’t feel quite right. Acting on instinct, she performed a self-check. That decision changed everything.

“I found a knot, and I thought, ‘That’s really odd,’” she said.

Within weeks, after a mammogram and biopsy, she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer.

“It just came out of nowhere,” she said. “I work out, I try to eat healthy. I was shocked.”

What followed was a whirlwind of appointments, procedures, and treatments. In October, she underwent a lumpectomy. Initially, chemotherapy wasn’t part of the plan, but further testing revealed a high risk of recurrence. By December, she began four rounds of chemotherapy.

“The chemo was… rough,” she said. “That’s the best word for it. It’s very hard on your body.”

Even now, months later, she continues to experience lingering side effects: fatigue, muscle pain, and a constant exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest.

“It’s like you could sleep all day, and you wake up and you’re still tired,” she said.

In late March, she began daily radiation treatments, marking another phase in her recovery.

For years, Norma has told blood donors a simple truth: tragedy can strike anyone at any time. Now, she’s lived it.

“This illness really struck me hard,” she said. “You think it won’t happen to you, until you’re in it.”

Her experience has reshaped how she views both her work and her life.

“It’s taught me not to sweat the small stuff,” she said. “I just take it day by day and appreciate that I’m here.”

Even as she undergoes treatment, Norma continues to work full time; a challenge she describes as both physical and emotional.

“It’s like a full-time job managing cancer,” she said. “Appointments, treatments, preparing for everything. It’s a lot.”

Through it all, one thing has stood out: the overwhelming support from those around her.

“My team at the Red Cross, my management, my community, just the love and support… it really touched me,” she said.

From meals to messages of encouragement, that support has helped carry her through the hardest days.

“You don’t realize how much you’re loved until something like this happens,” she said.

Although Norma has not needed blood transfusions during her treatment, her experience has only strengthened her belief in the importance of donation. Her message to potential donors is simple:

“Just do it. Take the hour out of your day to potentially save lives. Because you never know when any of us are going to need blood.”

She also hopes her story encourages women to take their health seriously, especially when it comes to early detection.

“Do your monthly self-checks,” she said. “You just never know.”

As she continues radiation and looks toward the next phase of treatment, Norma is focused on small but meaningful goals.

“I’m looking forward to spring and summer, getting outside, and doing the things I love,” she said. “And getting my hair back.”

More than anything, she hopes her story makes a difference, even if it’s just for one person.

“If it helps one woman,” she said, “then it’s worth sharing.”