By Beth Ritter-Guth

For years, the iconic American Red Cross symbol represented a quiet aspiration for Angela Walker. A resident of Pittsburgh, Walker is a disaster responder in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter and joined the volunteer ranks about two years ago.

“I have always wanted to volunteer, even since I was in high school," she said. "Every year, in high school, I was too scared to sign up. I was very shy and didn’t think I deserved to be a Red Crosser."

Life, however, had a different path planned, one that would ultimately lead her right to the organization she admired from afar.

Walker’s journey took an unexpected and difficult turn when she became seriously ill. She was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which causes a fast heart rate and dizziness when standing, and stiff person syndrome (SPS), an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms.

The vital treatment she needed – blood products – was initially elusive.

"No one would give me a blood product," she recalled.

When she finally received the medication derived from blood donations essential for managing her condition, the impact was profound.

"It gave me my life back," she said.

The experience ignited a renewed sense of purpose.

"I can volunteer now, and I want to give back,” Walker said. “I wouldn’t be here without all the people who donated blood."

The desire that lay dormant since high school resurfaced with powerful conviction and understanding the critical need firsthand.

"I really wanted to volunteer for the Red Cross. It was a bucket list item,” she emphasized. "I needed all the blood drives, and all the people who donated blood."

Walker joined the Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder, providing care and comfort after local disasters like home fires.

"If I can make one small difference in someone's life, I know I’ve made a difference,” she said. "I really feel like I found my place; I found my people. I feel so proud when I put my Red Cross vest on."

Volunteering isn't without its challenges, as Walker manages her ongoing health conditions.

"I don’t know how long I will get to do it. I am a sick person," she said. "I want to keep at it and keep my own marathon."

She plans to continue volunteering as long as she can. For Walker, the human connection is what defines her service.

"Everyone is so grateful,” she said. “We help them in the most down times of their life. We are there to be the helpers. We help them start the road to recovery, and we give them hope.”

Reflecting on her journey, that once shy high school student has transformed into a dedicated responder, driven by gratitude and a deep-seated need to give back.

"It's humbling and a wonderful thing to do. I could cry," she said. "I am proud and honored to be a Red Crosser. It was on my bucket list and is a highlight of my life. If I can’t ever do it again because of my health, I know that at least I did while I could."

Volunteers are the cornerstone of the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross, making up 90% of our workforce. Every day, volunteers respond to disasters of all sizes, support blood drives, assist veterans and military families and teach lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn about available roles and sign up to get started.