The American Red Cross partners with local businesses to celebrate Real Heroes
Liverpool, NY (November 5, 2025) – The American Red Cross is proud to celebrate this year’s Real Heroes Celebration Presented by The Kinney Drugs Foundation, taking place on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
The Real Heroes Celebration honors everyday people who have performed extraordinary acts of courage, compassion, and service across Central and Northern New York. From saving lives to supporting military families and responding to disasters, these individuals embody the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross.
“The Real Heroes Celebration is a powerful reminder of the compassion and courage that exists all around us,” said Lisa Smith, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central and Northern New York. “It’s a moment to honor everyday individuals who stepped up in extraordinary ways – whether through saving lives, supporting their communities, or simply being there when it mattered most.”
2025 Real Heroes:
Adult Good Samaritans – Staci Hayden, Dan Ragan and Brandi Romano
Leapt into action to save a coworker suffering a heart attack—CPR, teamwork, and a life saved.
Blood Services – Meghan Wilson
Rallied hundreds of donors through her unstoppable passion for community blood drives.
Community Impact – John Marsellus (posthumously)
A lifetime of generosity—strengthening and inspiring Central New York through service.
Disaster Services – Rocco “the Hero Dog”
Barked a lifesaving warning that saved neighbors from a fast-moving apartment fire.
Emergency Services – Officer Luis Figueroa, Cicero PD
Delivered a baby in crisis—saving two lives with calm, swift action.
Military – SSG Thomas Chavez
A model of courage and leadership—building strength and unity across borders.
Youth Good Samaritans – Tyler Sojda, Morgan Ann Randall, Aiden Kane and Donato Jellenich
Prom night heroes who spotted a house fire and helped a family escape unharmed.
“This event truly reflects the heart of the Red Cross mission: helping others in times of need,” said Caitlin Cregg, Event Chair. “It’s inspiring to see how these heroes embody the values we stand for, and we’re proud to recognize their incredible impact.”
The event will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. with complimentary parking available at the Harrison Place Garage across the street. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through the Red Cross website:
The Kinney Drugs Foundation is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event.
“At the Kinney Drugs Foundation, our mission is to support initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Dave McClure, President of the Kinney Drugs Foundation. “The Real Heroes Celebration is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have—and we’re honored to support an event that shines a light on these inspiring stories.”
For more information or to get involved, please contact the Red Cross at Development.ENY@redcross.org.
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About Kinney Drugs:
A 100% employee-owned company, Kinney Drugs was founded in 1903 by Burt Kinney in the small village of Gouverneur, NY, where we remain headquartered today. Kinney’s pharmacists offer immunizations and help people quit smoking, take their medications properly, manage diabetes and high blood pressure. We offer free Medicare Part D plan comparisons as well as a free mobile app, text reminders, automatic refills, and free medication collection kiosks. Through our “Love Local” program, many Kinney stores feature a selection of regionally produced products. Local commitment is very important to us, and through the Kinney Drugs Foundation we are honored to support community charities and organizations. To date, the Foundation has given nearly $13 million to local communities.
A 100% employee-owned company, Kinney Drugs was founded in 1903 by Burt Kinney in the small village of Gouverneur, NY, where we remain headquartered today. Kinney’s pharmacists offer immunizations and help people quit smoking, take their medications properly, manage diabetes and high blood pressure. We offer free Medicare Part D plan comparisons as well as a free mobile app, text reminders, automatic refills, and free medication collection kiosks. Through our “Love Local” program, many Kinney stores feature a selection of regionally produced products. Local commitment is very important to us, and through the Kinney Drugs Foundation we are honored to support community charities and organizations. To date, the Foundation has given nearly $13 million to local communities.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
