By Ram Sharma 

Patrick Monahan has driven thousands of miles across Pennsylvania and surrounding states, delivering lifesaving blood products to hospitals as a Red Cross volunteer. But for him, each mile represents more than just a delivery – it's a journey of personal healing and purpose. 

Monahan's path to becoming a Blood Transportation Specialist began while he was donating blood near his home in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He struck up a conversation with a Red Crosser who encouraged him to get involved. 

Despite initial nervousness about volunteering, Monahan embraced the challenge. His dedication is shown in the numbers: more than 1,600 volunteer hours logged in just 13 months. 

Monahan understands the value of his volunteer work and has taken on urgent requests for hospitals outside of his usual routes through the winding roads of West Virginia. 

"I always enjoy the long trips through West Virginia because it brings back good memories of traveling to see my grandparents from my hometown of Washington, D.C.," Monahan said. 

As a father of five, deliveries to children’s hospitals are especially meaningful to him. 

"All deliveries are important," he said, "but these touch my heart the most." 

This volunteer work has special meaning for Monahan, an Afghanistan War veteran, who has faced his own challenges with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and bipolar disorder. Through his service with the Red Cross, he found both purpose and healing. 

One day, while he was driving through Pittsburgh’s busy Squirrel Hill Tunnel, his car broke down. His supervisor, Mark Dowdell, who was 75 miles away, supported Monahan through the crisis, reminding him of the camaraderie he felt in the military. 

"The organization became like family," Monahan said. "I have learned that with good supervision, mentoring and genuine care for the volunteer, there's a great opportunity for success and a personal sense of accomplishment." 

When he’s not delivering blood products, Monahan remains active in several other Red Cross volunteer roles. He also authored a book, "Memoirs of a Deployed Airman," which details his military experiences and how they fit into life’s greater picture.

To learn more about becoming a Blood Transportation Specialist or other volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, visit redcross.org/volunteer or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.