By Robert Ambrose

Bob Worn does not need an introduction to many Red Cross volunteers and the Biomedical team who know him. Transporting your nearby blood donations to the Red Cross lab and onward to hospitals has been Bob’s path to a heart of gold. Starting three years ago just after retiring from Human Resources, he acted on what he planned years earlier.

Many years ago, Bob admired the Red Cross volunteerism of his sister-in-law, Sandy Capoferri. The disaster recovery stories Sandy shared left an impression. The chance to select a schedule and doing something he already loved — driving — attracted Bob and he never looked back.

During his nearly three years and counting volunteering for the Red Cross, Bob meanders through the region’s map. At each Red Cross blood donation site, the Blood Donor Ambassadors — also volunteers — whom he meets ensured a personal connection. On one occasion a technical institute was packed with many college-aged donors. Bob’s appreciation for the sea  of  donors stepping up to help their fellow Americans underscored his own commitment. Bob’s carful of donations found its way to the next stop: Red Cross Manufacturing Laboratory at the Spring Garden Campus in Philadelphia. In fact, his pick-up at the tech college was one of at least two Red Cross transports to the lab that specific afternoon.

Volunteers in other departments  also affirm Bob’s good will contribution. Essentially, his time and efforts facilitate the Red Cross functioning for the greater good (than otherwise). Volunteer connections — when volunteers meet each other in service to the higher cause (than otherwise) – ensure Bob’s perennial commitment.

Bob’s personal highlight was at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where he saw young patients gathered for the CHOP Prom. Dressed up, cheering and singing, the young patients evoked his appreciation of young people enjoying a second chance at having fun and life itself. That day, Bob’s Red Cross commitment transported him to a premium level beyond just a curious bystander.