Love for community runs in the family
By Miyana Shively, the American Red Cross
One of the most invaluable moments of one’s life is quality time with family. Diana Dalager and her twenty-two-year-old daughter, Lexie, have made some of their most meaningful memories volunteering for the American Red Cross of Colorado. From their first deployment together when Hurricane Dorian struck to how each of them respectively found local leadership roles, their time together at Red Cross has brought out the best in them as individuals and strengthened their mother-daughter dynamic. Diana serves as the Chapter Mass Care Lead and Emergency Response Vehicle Lead. Lexie serves as the Regional Disability Integration Lead. They inspire each other every day with their shared dedication to help those in need.
When did you become volunteers with us and why?
Diana: I became a volunteer 2.5 years ago. I have time now that my girls are grown, my oldest daughter lives and works in San Francisco and Lexie is transitioning from a full-time college student to full time employee.
Lexie: I became a volunteer in February. I initially started volunteering to earn my last credit to complete my undergraduate degree, but quickly found myself a family and purpose here at the Red Cross. I have made so many amazing connections with fellow volunteers and have learned so much in such a short period of time. Even after graduating, I continue to volunteer as I have the time while I start my search for a full-time job before attending graduate school in the near future.
How have you inspired each other?
Diana: It’s an inspiration to deploy and volunteer alongside Lexie; Watching her talk to the clients with tenderness and compassion, serving the clients in any way she can, playing with and keeping the children entertained and making new lifelong friends with other Red Cross volunteers who have the same passion for helping others, is truly a proud moment for me and an inspiration.
Lexie: She has motivated and inspired me to work hard and help those in times of need. She constantly shows me the joy of building relationships within the Red Cross. Everyone here is a family, and it was so cool to see my mom a part of something big and meaningful. Now I get to be part of it!
How has volunteering impacted your relationship?
Diana: Having the opportunity to deploy with my daughter is an awesome memory that I will cherish forever. I love seeing the fine young lady she has become and the passion she has to want to comfort and help those affected by a disaster… Well, need I say more?
Lexie: We definitely spend a lot more time together, which would likely not be possible without this shared interest in volunteering. I think we make a good team!
To volunteer with family is to create a shared experience and to create a shared experience is to cultivate meaningful memories that will last a lifetime. Stay on the lookout for a follow-up interview with Lexie where we ask her about her experiences as a young volunteer for the American Red Cross.