By Josh Egbert, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
It was a book on social work that brought Alie Pasternak to the American Red Cross. One of the chapters was on emergency response and was written by a Red Cross volunteer that had responded to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
“This chapter moved me so much that I signed up that evening and began my training as soon as I could,” said Alie. “Since then, I’ve become increasingly involved and dedicated and I truly see myself in this field for the rest of my life.”
Alie’s journey with the Red Cross began almost two years ago. She’s currently the recovery casework lead for the Mile High Area chapter and a member of the preparedness, Disaster Action Team, blood transportation and volunteer engagement teams.
“The most rewarding aspect of volunteering with the Red Cross is the impact you have on your community,” said Alie. “From preparedness event where I educate my community on risk factors, to responding to a home fire, to following the family in the aftermath.”
For Alie, the impact was felt in September 2022 when an apartment in Aurora, Colorado exploded. She was one of the first DAT responders on scene and quickly began to triage the situation and show people to dry shelter as it was raining.
“One woman appeared extremely distressed as her pets were left in the apartment and no one was helping to retrieve them,” said Alie. “I was able to speak with her, get her the information she needed and relay it to the first officials. Later, I was able to reunite her with her fury loved ones.”
Alie said later that evening the woman found her at the shelter and thanked her immensely for listening to her and taking action to support and comfort her. Those interactions and experiences make volunteering with the Red Cross worth it. Alie encourages anyone to is considering volunteering to just jump in and do it.
“This organization has a position for everyone, no matter the interest or time commitment,” said Alie. “Finding a way to positively impact your community that continue past your presence is extremely valuable and indispensable.”
As for Alie, her journey with the Red Cross may just be getting started, but she sees herself having a big impact for years to come.
“I feel like I actually make a difference every single day,” said Alie. “I feel like I actually save and protect livelihoods.”
If Alie’s story inspired you, click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities