American Red Cross

In May 2012 we embarked on a journey to tell the real stories of the American Red Cross -- the stories that we know so well but most people have never heard. We wanted to show the millions of ways the Red Cross has touched the lives of Americans in every state.

We found that the best way to tell our story is to let the people who have been helped tell theirs. A chorus of voices made up of the many Americans who have been touched by the Red Cross in some way. To do that, we sent out 300 kits to Red Cross storytellers around the country. These kits contained everything someone needed to share their story: some prompts guiding them on how to capture their story, a camera, a Red Cross pin and a journal.

These storytellers each recognized the unconditional support they received to overcome disasters, whether big or small, and were ready to give back. Without the promise of fame or fortune and with a significant sacrifice of their time and privacy, hundreds of those helped wanted to lend their voices and tell their stories openly and honestly. They bravely opened their hearts to us to share stories that are inspiring, tragic, uplifting and unbelievable but, above all, filled with moments that show humanity at its best.

Here you'll find a selection of powerful films we've received. In the coming months, we'll upload more stories from across the country.

This is the story of the American Red Cross.