RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Volunteer

  • When giving blood means giving hope and time

    By: Alana Mauger

    Michael Greenberg and his daughters (from left) Alexis and Olivia pose for a photo at the first Alison’s Avengers blood drive on Feb. 14, 2020 in the gymnasium at Warwick Elementary School in Jamison, Pennsylvania. This photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    For many, rolling up a sleeve to give blood takes on new meaning once you’ve seen the impact it can have for patients and their families. Bucks County father of two Michael Greenberg can attest to this experience. When his wife Alison was battling leukemia, blood transfusions gave them more time together.

    Alison spent a year and a half in and out of hospitals, undergoing treatments that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. 

    “With almost every treatment, Alison needed a blood transfusion. Blood donations can give families more time together,” Michael shared.  

    Alison lost her battle with leukemia in September 2019, just 17 days before her 40th birthday. 

    Michael is grateful for that extra time he and his daughters Alexis and Olivia, ages 22 and 11, had with Alison. He now donates blood every 56 days to help provide hope and time for other patients and their families. But donating blood himself wasn’t enough.

    In 2020, Michael partnered with American Red Cross to host the first Alison’s Avengers blood drive – a love letter to Alison held on Valentine’s Day, her favorite holiday. Michael hopes it will become a Valentine’s Day tradition.

    “What better way to celebrate a love day than to give blood?” he asked.

    Over the past two years, Alison’s Avengers made 112 blood donations. And since each donation can help up to three people, as many as 336 patients may get more time with their loved ones as a result. 

    “I think [Alison] would be proud,” Michael said. 

    Blood drive hosts needed

    Hosting a blood drive is a rewarding experience that can help hundreds of patients. The Red Cross urgently needs sponsors to host blood drives throughout the spring and summer. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.

  • International Women’s Day: In Honor of Women Who Volunteer

    By: Judith Weeks

    March 8 is International Women’s Day, and what better day to celebrate the heroic women volunteers of the American Red Cross?

    Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1900, and her life’s work has laid the foundation of the organization we serve today. Barton was a hero of the American Civil War, bringing supplies, food, and clothing to wounded and sick men on the battlefront, who called her “Angel of the Battlefield.” Of her own work, she wrote “I always tried to bring help and comfort. I could run the risk. It made no difference to anyone if I were shot and taken prisoner.” Clara Baron’s humanitarian efforts have inspired women volunteers ever since.

    From World War II to Korea to Vietnam, women volunteers of the American Red Cross have brought comfort to soldiers in battle. During World War II, the Red Cross “Clubmobiles” traveled throughout Great Britain and Europe and were staffed by volunteers known as “Donut Dollies.” They brought a “taste of home,” water, coffee, and food to troops. These women were on the front lines, as was Clara Barton.

    Today, women Red Cross volunteers carry on the work of Clara Barton by bringing comfort, food, and shelter to people who have been touched by disaster. They believe in her legacy, equal rights, and helping all people in need, regardless of race, gender, or economic situation. And they are proud to be members of the largest humanitarian organization in the world.

    Main image description: a quote graphic featuring American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, seated in a black and white photograph. The Red Cross logo appears in the left-hand side. To the right of her picture is this quote, in white letters on a blue background: “I may sometimes be willing to teach for nothing, but if paid at all, I shall never do a man’s work for less than a man’s pay.”

  • Four Good Reasons to Become a Red Cross Volunteer

    By: Marta Rusek

    March is Red Cross Month, and this week we’re celebrating volunteers! More than 90% of the Red Cross’ lifesaving work is powered by volunteers, many of whom decided to do this work because someone they knew was a volunteer, or they read about the perks of volunteering in an article (like this one!).

    If you’re a student looking for life experience, a retiree looking for meaningful work, or someone who just wants to pay it forward through good deeds, the American Red Cross is one of the best volunteer opportunities around. Here’s why:

    You become a better leader. Many different personalities and skill types come together in the volunteer force at the Red Cross, so you will learn very quickly how to identify your fellow volunteer’s strengths and discover what motivates them. Also, you become more organized than you ever thought you would! These skills and knowledge will come in handy the next time you have to lead a project at work or in your neighborhood.

    You meet some really cool people. The Red Cross attracts staff members and volunteers from all life experiences, from veteran service members to people who themselves were helped by the Red Cross after a disaster. Plus, some volunteers have served the Greater Philadelphia Area as Red Cross volunteers for 20, 30, or even 40 years! These folks will have some extraordinary stories to share, and their experience will inspire you on your volunteer journey.

    You have access to top-notch training modules. The Red Cross goes to great lengths to prepare its volunteers for anything they may experience during their service. The online knowledge base has learning modules for everything, from disaster training to public affairs/communications lessons. Since the materials are updated regularly and created by staff members with years of professional experience under their belts, you can be sure that you’re learning the most accurate and effective information possible (and you never know when that training will come in handy in other parts of your life).

    The Red Cross looks great on your resume. If a prospective employer says they’re looking for a team player who is hard-working and eager to take on new challenges, they know they will find all those qualities and more in an applicant who volunteers for the Red Cross. Not everyone will answer the call to help communities in crisis after disaster strikes. The ones that do are highly motivated and committed to making the world a better place, and those are the kinds of people an employer is proud to have in their ranks.

    So what are you waiting for? Visit RedCross.org/VolunteerToday to learn about volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross right now!

    Primary image description: a graphic with the words “Volunteer with Us!” on a red circle with red drops around it. Behind the circle and words are four faded images of Red Cross volunteers engaged in different life-saving activities.

  • Red Cross Month celebrates volunteers, honors lifesaving mission

    “I request that during that month [March] our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt, first Presidential Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month, 1943

    For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month – a time to celebrate the people who make our mission possible — volunteers, blood donors, people trained in lifesaving skills, and supporters who step up to aid others when #HelpCantWait.

    More than 90% of the Red Cross’ lifesaving work is powered by volunteers. In the year since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, tens of thousands of Americans have stepped up to address the needs of families reeling from the pandemic as well as record-breaking disasters across the country.

    In 2020, our 1,685 Red Cross volunteers in Southeastern Pennsylvania responded to 1,110 local disasters, providing assistance to 3,233 people, and volunteered at more than 5,000 blood drives, which collected 114,446 blood donations.

    “The past year has been overwhelming for many in our community, and yet through it all, people are caring for one another,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “When help can’t wait, Red Cross volunteers provide families with the support they need during emergencies. During Red Cross Month in March, we honor this humanitarian spirit and ask you to join us by donating, volunteering, giving blood or taking a class to learn lifesaving skills.”

    HOW TO HELP

    You can help ensure that families don’t face emergencies alone – especially during a pandemic:

    • DONATE: Support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of our annual Giving Day on March 24 to aid families in need across the country.
    • VOLUNTEER: Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday for most-needed positions and local opportunities.
    • GIVE BLOOD: If you’re healthy and feeling well, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma on March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
    • LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS: Take a class in skills like CPR and first aid to help in an emergency at redcross.org/TakeAClass. Online options include our Psychological First Aid for COVID-19 course, which covers how to manage stress and support yourself and others.

    Primary image description: American Red Cross banners hang from street light poles around LOVE Park and City Hall in Philadelphia during the month of March to commemorate Red Cross Month.

  • My Journey of Service with the American Red Cross

    Each February, the nation and the American Red Cross celebrate Black History Month. All this month here on the Red Cross Philly blog we honor our Black colleagues that are part of our local Red Cross team. We invited them to be guest bloggers to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our diverse team here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this blog post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. To learn more about Diversity and Inclusion values at the Red Cross, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/governance/corporate-diversity.html.

    Today’s blog is written by Tracey Howard, American Red Cross volunteer.

    My journey of service with the American Red Cross began in September of 2017, when one of my sorority sisters called and asked for my assistance in pulling together a pool of volunteers to manage phone calls for the Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Telethon.

    During the telethon, I was asked about furthering my service.  I jumped at the opportunity to serve individually, but also was eager to explore how my chapter, the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter (VFAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., could partner with the American Red Cross.

    Since participating at that NBC10 telethon, I’ve served as a blood donor ambassador, organized blood drives, assisted with the Sound the Alarm program, The Pillowcase Project, volunteer recruitment events and worked as a warehouse supply assistant. 

    During a volunteer workshop, the speaker discussed the need for more minority participation in blood services.  I decided to make it my mission to increase minority participation through my constant cheerleading about the magnificent work of the American Red Cross. I tell firsthand accounts of how the American Red Cross assisted my friends who suffered loss because of a fire, friends affected by Hurricane Katrina, and friends who needed multiple transfusions.

    When I was in my early teens, I lost a friend to Sickle Cell Disease, which impacts predominately Black men and women. The idea of a young person dying was a complex notion. It really hurt to see another friend miss out on the “normal” childhood fun because he was said “to be sick” and unable to participate in certain activities.

    That young man died in his sleep at college at age 19. In 2019, another friend’s child, in her 20s, suddenly died of Sickle Cell Disease. The loss of friends to Sickle Cell Disease has fueled my desire to increase minority blood donor participation. It’s comforting to know that the American Red Cross implements a “blue tag” for blood donations that benefit patients with Sickle Cell Disease. 

    The American Red Cross has been a vehicle for me to make a difference in the community and to share God’s gifts: sweat equity, creativity, and sisterly love. This organization is an American institution helping others in critical times.  Whether a person catches the “bug” to serve on their team of dynamic volunteers, or decides to remain a one-person army, everyone can make a difference.

    If an individual decides to donate blood, his/her donation can save up to three lives.  So, every 56 days, an individual can make a dramatic impact on saving others by pledging to be a steadfast blood donor. As the quote goes, “Changing the entire world is a daunting task, but changing one person’s world is realistic and possible every day.”

    This is the work of the American Red Cross.

    Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen to the rest of the body. In the U.S., about 100,000 people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds, approximately 90 percent of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease. Regular blood transfusions are often used as a critical treatment for sickle cell patients, and blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity is less likely to cause complications. To learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/diversity/sicklecell.html.

    Main image description: Photo of Tracey Howard

  • The importance of Black blood donors at the American Red Cross

    Each February, the nation and the American Red Cross celebrate Black History Month. All this month here on the Red Cross Philly blog we honor our Black colleagues that are part of our local Red Cross team. We invited them to be guest bloggers to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our diverse team here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this blog post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. To learn more about Diversity and Inclusion values at the Red Cross, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/governance/corporate-diversity.html.

    Today’s blog is written by Dr. Majorie Dejoie-Brewer, American Red Cross volunteer and member of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

    As an African American Caribbean female, I take great pride in Black History Month and my heritage.  I relish in the thought of the capabilities of my community and that this month is dedicated to shining a light on the beauty that is the African Diaspora.

    We are a generous, talented and resilient tribe, but we are not always painted in that light in social media and the news.  Black History Month gives us an opportunity to unite our voices to showcase our many contributions, blessings, and gifts.

    My connection with the American Red Cross is both personal and professional and deeply important to me.  It started over 20 years ago with the inception of the Blue Tag program, which identifies sickle cell donors.

    It has evolved to include representing the sickle cell community through organizing blood drives and sponsored events, participating in community initiatives, discussing the importance of blood donations from the African American community on different platforms, and providing in-house educational seminars to staff and executives. I am thankful to the American Red Cross for being a valuable and long-standing partner of our community and for answering the call for more diversity, inclusion and equity.

    Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that causes red blood cells to be hard and crescent-shaped, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen to the rest of the body. In the U.S., about 100,000 people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds, approximately 90 percent of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease. Regular blood transfusions are often used as a critical treatment for sickle cell patients, and blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity is less likely to cause complications. To learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-types/diversity/sicklecell.html.

    Main image description: Photo of Dr. Majorie Dejoie-Brewer

  • The Rose That Grew from Concrete

    Each February, the nation and the American Red Cross celebrate Black History Month. All this month here on the Red Cross Philly blog we honor our Black colleagues that are part of our local Red Cross team. We invited them to be guest bloggers to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our diverse team here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this blog post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. To learn more about Diversity and Inclusion values at the Red Cross, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/governance/corporate-diversity.html.

    Today’s blog is written by Cherieta Early, Regional Volunteer Services Officer, American Red Cross.

    After an unprecedented year of living in a “bubble,” I am looking forward to Black History Month. Why? Because I embody the success that comes from the African American struggle in America. Also, in line with our heritage, Black History Month is best celebrated through word of mouth communication like storytelling, song and now sharing on social platforms; finally, no FOMO on missing personal contact.

    We were all front and center as the plagues of COVID-19 and Social Injustice ravaged our country, so there is no need to rehash it. Instead I would like to share why I felt like “The Rose That Grew from Concrete” here at Red Cross.

    For over 20 years, my career seemed mediocre at best. I worked hard to establish a reputation as an intelligent, creative leader; however, I never really felt recognized for my efforts. Could I earn a living? Yes. Were my positions sometimes coveted by others? Yes. Was I satisfied? No. It seemed as if my limits were predetermined by others, and “average” or “just enough” would be my legacy. Metaphorically, this was concrete.

    What I did not consider was that my “LEGACY” was undergoing revision. Our African American Resource Group at the American Red Cross, UMOJA, unveiled a mentor program called LEGACY (Listen. Excel. Grow. Aspire. Connect Yourself). This group became the crack in the concrete through which I would grow; who knew?

    A resource of top-notch African American leaders with stories like many, giving of themselves to nurture talent when they could very well live within their success, seems like a novel idea in business, right? For most, yes; however, it’s a reality at the American Red Cross.

    The Red Cross Black Executive Steering Committee acted on a vision and essentially became the gardener, allowing me and many others to flourish – to grow from a crack in the concrete.

    Yes, I feel more celebratory than ever this Black History Month because my success is due, in part, to my community. Successful African Americans who have come before me paved the way. And a new generation of African Americans will not be silenced – whose voices and actions will demand social change.

    Main image description: Photo of Cherieta Early

  • Volunteer from West Africa Breaking Down Barriers

    Each February, the nation and the American Red Cross celebrate Black History Month. All this month here on the Red Cross Philly blog we honor our Black colleagues that are part of our local Red Cross team. We invited them to be guest bloggers to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our diverse team here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this blog post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. To learn more about Diversity and Inclusion values at the Red Cross, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are/governance/corporate-diversity.html.

    Today’s blog is written by Oumar Toure, American Red Cross Volunteer.

    I moved to the U.S. when I was 17 years old as a bright-eyed college freshman. Up to that point, I had lived in Ivory Coast – a country in West Africa. Compared to my homeland, America is a lot more diverse; within a few weeks I made friends with students from Japan, Colombia, Turkey, Norway, and all over the U.S. – just to name a few places.

    However, once I stepped outside of my freshman orientation course, I eventually opened my eyes to the fact that despite its diversity, America is still very segregated. Indeed, a legacy of Jim Crow laws is the fact that the various neighborhoods within major American cities are clearly segregated along racial lines.

    The result is a lack of interaction between different racial groups which can lead to fear or discomfort around the unknown. On several occasions I felt that people were uneased around me before they knew anything about me except for the fact that I’m black.

    Black History Month to me represents a moment where those barriers are taken down, and people step outside of their comfort zone to learn about and appreciate Black culture through conversations, festivals, arts, etc.

    I have always felt energized by the sharing and mingling that happens during this month – I believe it allows us to more clearly see the humanity in each other and keep it at the center of our interactions. Will Smith phrased this best by saying: “the best things in life are found on the other side of discomfort.”

    Volunteering for the Red Cross has always given me a similar vigor and enthusiasm. My first volunteering experience was with the Sound the Alarm campaign; I was part of a group that canvased neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and installed smoke detectors in the homes of people who needed it. We went into every neighborhood and knocked on every door without hesitation or distinction – only respect and a desire to help.

    The volunteers and residents were from all sorts of different backgrounds, and the interactions we shared were extremely rewarding for both parties. Some residents would ask us to stay for 5 minutes to have a glass of water and chat – these simple moments of human connections are still etched in my memory today. Over my years of volunteering with the Red Cross, I’ve continued to be inspired by the organization’s commitment to helping people, while maintaining their dignity – one of the key ingredients to do this is keeping people’s humanity at the center of our effort.

    Main image description: Photo of Oumar Toure

  • Make a New Year’s Resolution with the American Red Cross

    By: Marta Rusek

    Let’s face it, 2020 was a tough year. It challenged us to rethink our day-to-day priorities and taught us hard truths about not taking good fortune for granted. It gave us new gratitude and empathy. But now that we’ve turned the corner, let’s slam the door on the past and look forward to 2021. That means resolutions!

    Sure, the resolution is a bit of a January cliche. By whatever word you use—goal, aspiration, dream, ambition—a resolution is a motivator. Are you seeking a satisfying way to learn something new, cross off long-postponed items on your to-do list, and find your passion through a life-changing cause? Look no further than the American Red Cross.

    The Red Cross’s vast network of resources can connect you with classes to prepare you for emergencies at home and out in the world, plus opportunities to make a difference based on your interests, skills, and schedule. Here are a few ideas to consider:

    • Prepare for an emergency at home and on the go. It’s never too early to plan for potential disaster, and the Red Cross has you covered with Emergency Preparedness Kits for every situation. So be proactive: Pick up your very first emergency kit, or stock up on supplies to stash in your car for inclement weather or a natural disaster. To get started, browse the Emergency Preparedness section of the Red Cross store.
    • Take a First Aid/CPR/AED class. Knowing how to save a life or help dress a wound are essential skills to know, even during a pandemic. Getting a First Aid/CPR/AED certification now is also a good idea, so that when social distancing is no longer necessary and folks with your skillset are needed, you’ll be ready! The Red Cross offers several options in-person, online, and hybrid classes that are a combination of both. Once you complete the course, you will receive a digital certificate for First Aid/CPR/AED that will be valid for two years. Find a class here.
    • Become a volunteer. Did you know that 90 percent of the people behind the Red Cross are unpaid? Volunteerism benefits everyone, and that’s especially true when you’re with the Red Cross. Whatever your skill level, you will be welcomed as a volunteer. You’ll receive in-depth training and have access to a wealth of learning opportunities, and the new skills you acquire can be put to good use in a variety of areas—disaster response, support for military service members, blood drives, and even communications and public relations. (The article you’re reading now was written by a volunteer!) If you’re 18 or older and looking to serve your community and gain leadership skills that will take you far, you can’t go wrong with one of the nation’s best volunteer-led humanitarian organizations. Begin your volunteer journey on our website here.

    When you make your resolution with the Red Cross happen, we want to know about it! Post your story about volunteering, giving blood, or taking a class with the Red Cross on social media with the hashtag #RedCrossResolution and tag @RedCrossPhilly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your example just may inspire your loved ones to do the same!

    Main image description: Two Red Cross volunteers wearing face masks work together to load life-saving supplies onto a truck.

    Secondary image description: Several sticky notes with New Year’s resolutions on a wall, with phrases like “Be happy!”, “Exercise more,” “Eat Healthier,” and “Save Money.” In the center is “Donate Blood,” with a large red arrow pointing to it. On the righthand side is a red block with the Red Cross log and text in white letters that reads: “May we suggest a resolution?”

  • Five Facts about Clara Barton on her Birthday

    By: Marta Rusek

    Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and led the organization for the first 23 years of its existence. As we honor this pioneering nurse and humanitarian on her birthday, December 25th, here are five facts about her life and work.

    • Her passion for healing the sick began when she was a child. At age 10, Clara cared for her brother David when he sustained a serious head injury after falling off of a barn. His chances of recovering appeared dismal and doctors gave up on him. Clara did not—she learned how to give him his medication and other treatments available to patients in his condition at the time (including hirudotherapy—the use of leeches to increase blood flow). Thanks to that persistence and dedication, her brother made a full recovery.
    • She was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” for providing medical care to both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. When she lived in Washington D.C., Clara cared for wounded soldiers who were brought the capital beginning in April 1861. Shortly after the battle of Cedar Mountain in Northern Virginia in 1862, she began to administer first aid to soldiers…on the battlefield! She earned her nickname from tirelessly helping soldiers who were wounded at the battles of Fairfax Station, Chantilly, Harpers Ferry, Antietam, and many more.
    • The seed for an American Red Cross was planted during Clara’s visit to Europe. After dedicating much of her post–Civil War life to finding missing soldiers and bringing closure to their families, Clara took a well-deserved trip to Europe in 1869. It was there, in Switzerland, that she became aware of the Red Cross. An 1864 treaty ratified by 12 European nations in Geneva, known as the Geneva Treaty (and alternatively as the Red Cross Treaty), created international chapters of the Red Cross to help the sick and wounded in wartime. Clara was immediately inspired to bring this idea to the United States and initiate a Red Cross chapter there. Even on vacation, Clara was thinking of new and innovative ways to serve people in need!
    • Clara convinced the international Red Cross community to expand its work beyond wartime relief. After the American Red Cross’s founding in 1881, Clara presided over a volunteer-led organization that was primarily devoted to helping communities impacted by natural disasters, including an 1884 dam break in Johnstown, PA, which claimed over 2,000 lives. Clara recognized the potential of this growing field of relief work, and during the Third International Red Cross Conference in Geneva in 1884, the American Red Cross proposed an amendment to the Geneva Treaty. The American Amendment, as it came to be known, expanded the Red Cross mission to include natural disaster relief during peacetime. This amendment continues to help communities around the world recover and rebuild after earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and more.
    • The American Red Cross was not the only relief organization she founded. After resigning as Red Cross president at age 83, Clara created the National First Aid Society, which empowered local first aid programs throughout the United States. The National First Aid Society eventually became part of the Red Cross, which now provides lifesaving first aid and CPR training to people in communities across the country.

    Today, Clara’s influence is felt in the American Red Cross’s Service to the Armed Forces network, its disaster response efforts, and its comprehensive first aid training courses and certifications. You can learn more about these services and how to become a volunteer at RedCross.org.

    Image description for main image: A vintage black & white photograph of Clara Barton by photographer Matthew Brady, seated in a chair next to an ornate clock. Her facial expression is one of calm determination.

    Image description for secondary image: A graphic design of a quote by Clara Barton. A pained portrait of Clara, her head resting on her hand, wearing an elegant blue gown with a detailed white collar design in the front. Her name is written in large blue letters, followed by this quote: “I defy the tyranny of precedent. I got for anything new that will improve the past.”