Join us Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 7:45 a.m. for the annual American Red Cross of Wisconsin Northwest Heroes Breakfast.This event was created to recognize the incredible work of local heroes and volunteers who embody the Red Cross mission every day.

We'd love for you to be a part of this year's celebration and help make the 2026 Heroes Breakfast our most impactful event to date!

For the past 22 years, at our annual Heroes Breakfast, the American Red Cross of Northwest Wisconsin has honored individuals and groups for acts of immense bravery, dedication and service to the community. Incredible heroes walk among us delivering kindness and making a difference every day.

The 2026 Northwest Wisconsin Heroes are:

Blood Services Hero:

• Chuck Daly (Chippewa County)

 Community Impact Hero:

• Nicole Carter (Polk County)

 Emergency Response Heroes:

• Anthony Helstern, Cadott Police Department (Chippewa County)
• Jeremy Kenealy, Cadott Area Fire & Rescue (Chippewa County)
• Michael Seeley, Cadott Area Fire & Rescue (Chippewa County)

Red Cross Hero:

• Doris Durst (Chippewa County)

Hero of a Lifetime:

• Carl Broberg (Bayfield County)

Military Hero:

• Sofas for Service – Jeff Staads, executive director (Eau Claire County)

 Youth & Young Adult Heroes: Bloomer Middle School

• Christofer Smikrud, eighth grade social studies teacher (Chippewa County)
• Ben Behling, co-teacher (Chippewa County)