Patsy Alleman, who runs the Decatur, Arkansas library, talks to Red Crosser Julio Arroyo about how her mobile home near Decatur, Arkansas was destroyed when it was struck by a tornado. Julio was helping with the distribution of emergency supplies such as rakes, shovels, tarps and gloves for those recovering from the tornado.

(Red Cross photo by Carl Manning)

By: Carl Manning, American Red Cross

After the tornado tore through the countryside near Decatur, Arkansas and demolished her mobile home, Patsy Alleman figured it couldn’t get any worse for her.

But it did.

Patsy and her family sought shelter in what she figured was the one safe place, the laundry room of her home, and she was right. When the storm passed, she and her family emerged into the eerie silence of the night.

“It was so scary, you just don’t know,” she said. “It was so intense.”

Then a new fear gripped Patsy, who explained she has dealt with Type I diabetes most of her life, including taking daily insulin injections and other medications. All she could salvage after the storm was as partially filled insulin vial, enough for a few days at best.

Patsy, who runs the Decatur Public Library, knew that stress was her enemy at this point, so she forced herself to keep calm and try to figure out what to do. The last thing she wanted would be to end up in a hospital.

She is well-known and respected in the town of 1,700 and many of her close friends know about her battle with diabetes. The Red Cross was contacted to see if there was anything it could do to help her.

Red Cross volunteer Linda Fahey, a registered nurse with Disaster Health Services, helps Patsy Alleman replace her diabetes medications lost when a tornado struck her mobile home near Decatur, Arkansas. Linda verified the need and the Red Cross helped her replace her medications.

(Red Cross photo by Carl Manning)

A couple of days later, Patsy met Red Cross volunteer Linda Fahey, a registered nurse and member of the Disaster Health Services team that deals with the medical concerns of those impacted by disasters.

Linda listened to Patsy as she explained what happened and how she was worried about getting her medications replaced. Linda assured her the Red Cross would help and provide the resources to make that happen.

“This is one of those cases that can’t wait. We have to act on it now,” Linda said later.

When Pasty was told the Red Cross would help her, a feeling of relief came over her.

“I’m thankful. I didn’t know what to do and the Red Cross was a tremendous relief,” she said.

“We’ll put our arms around you and take care of you,” Linda said.