By Jennifer Warren, Regional Communications Director

February is American Heart Month, a time to elevate awareness around heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. For Cindy Milgram, the month carries a deeply personal meaning. Not only is Cindy the Community Volunteer Lead (CVL) for American Red Cross of Wisconsin CEO Cat Rabenstine, she’s also the Milwaukee Board Chair for the American Heart Association (AHA). Her work beautifully intertwines two organizations dedicated to saving lives.

A Personal Journey to Advocacy

Cindy’s connection to heart health began in 2021 when she was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition that required open heart surgery. After completing cardiac rehab, she became committed to raising awareness about women’s heart disease, symptoms, and prevention.

“I learned how heart disease affects women in ways I never knew,” she said. “Cardiac rehab taught me how to strengthen my heart and change my diet. That education inspired me to raise awareness for others.”

She joined the American Heart Association soon after and has taken part in advocacy days at the Wisconsin State Capitol, local Heart Walks, Go Red for Women media outreach, and community CPR awareness efforts. Her term as Milwaukee Board Chair runs from July 2025 through June 2027.

A Second Calling: Volunteering With the Red Cross

In the same year as her diagnosis, during the height of the pandemic, Cindy was looking for a way to give back — so she began volunteering with the Red Cross.

Today, as a Community Volunteer Lead, Cindy acts as an extension of CEO Cat Rabenstine’s reach by attending community meetings, giving mission presentations, and stepping in wherever help is needed.

Her most hands-on experience came during the Milwaukee floods, where she assisted with response efforts, including distributing cleanup kits, answering phones at the disaster headquarters, and supporting multi-agency resource centers (MARCs).

“As a volunteer, the most rewarding part is knowing you’ve made a difference,” she said. “The more I learn about the Red Cross mission, the more it hits home.”

A Passion That Intersects Two Missions

Cindy’s work with both organizations naturally intersects. Through her advocacy with the American Heart Association, she encourages women to learn hands-only CPR and openly shares her survivor story to raise awareness about heart disease. Through the Red Cross, she champions blood donation — something she understands more personally than most.

“There are so many alignments between my two roles,” she said. “I’m very fortunate to represent missions that make such a difference for families.”

That overlap shows up in unexpected ways. Just recently, a woman called the Red Cross looking for a Red Dress pin for National Wear Red Day. Even though it wasn’t technically a Red Cross request, staff recognized Cindy’s connection to the American Heart Association and immediately reached out. Cindy coordinated with the woman directly and made sure she received a pin in time — a small gesture that perfectly reflects how she bridges both organizations with empathy and purpose.

This Heart Month, we celebrate Cindy Milgram — a survivor, a leader, a volunteer, and a powerful reminder of how one person can connect two lifesaving missions with grace, passion, and purpose.