By Sukripa Shah

During National Volunteer Week (April 18–24) we honor the 300,000+ volunteers who donate their time and energy to the American Red Cross, an organization whose workforce is 90% unpaid. This is one of a series of profiles you’ll see on the Red Cross Philly Blog. To learn more about exciting volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday. 

If there’s one phrase that can describe Kathy Mullen’s outlook on life, it’s “relentlessly upbeat.” And make no mistake—her condition is contagious. For decades, the American Red Cross has been a crucial part of Kathy’s life, both as a mother and a volunteer. She recalls a personal crisis almost 38 years ago, when her 2-year-old son was diagnosed with a serious blood disorder. The Red Cross provided her son with a new life. He received countless blood transfusions, thanks to Biomedical Services. Today, Kathy counts her blessings: Her adult son is in great health, and she’s a proud grandmother of three beautiful granddaughters.

So if you ever wake up in a bad mood and Kathy’s around, you’ll soon get caught up in her vortex. She’s a ball of energy, passion, and dedication to the Red Cross cause—alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. She began giving back to the community soon after her retirement, and she’s been at it ever since. 

Last fall, after the Oregon wildfires that took the lives of at least 11 people and destroyed more than 4,000 homes, Kathy was instrumental in helping to arrange shelter and support for people who’d lost everything they owned. Even during the darkest of times in their lives, she says, people never failed to reciprocate her kindness by saying “thank you.” This rewarding time left an indelible mark, and she knows that the courage, determination, and undeniable force of the human spirit can still prevail despite difficult circumstances.

Kathy truly embodies the Red Cross volunteer ethic. She has been a pivotal part of the volunteer workforce for four years and continues to work with her local Disaster Action Team, Sound the Alarm initiative, Pillowcase Project, and Biomedical Services. Recently, she became a Community Volunteer Leader to advocate for the lifesaving services of the Red Cross focusing on the school/education sector.

As a mother and professional, Kathy feels fortunate to have a great family and friends both in her hometown and in Phoenixville, where she now lives. She loves taking trips and has traveled far and wide as senior telecommunications manager for Lockheed Martin Corporation. She and her husband are excited about visiting Scotland in the future, where they plan to learn more about their roots and Scottish heritage.

Primary image description: A picture of Red Cross volunteer Kathy Mullen, a Caucasian woman with shoulder-length light brown hair. She is smiling.