Dr. Angeleke Saridakis' Red Cross Story
In March, Dr. Angeleke Saridakis, a critical care surgery specialist currently on a fellowship at Yale University’s Department of Surgery, watched news reports of COVID-19 sweeping across New York. "Seeing the morbid images and listening to the shortages inside the hospitals moved me to tears," she said.
A few days later, Dr. Saridakis found herself on an eerily empty flight to New York, which she says, "was not an act of bravery or heroism, but an opportunity to fulfill a tremendous need."
Dr. Saridakis is also a member of Tiffany Circle, a network of women philanthropists inspired by American Red Cross founder Clara Barton. When flying to New York, other Tiffany Circle members rallied to support her decision.
"They stepped up to collect much needed personal protective equipment, and worked with a Miami physician to fill a duffel bag with critical supplies and comfort items, and shipped it to me and my team at Elmhurst," Dr. Saridakis said.
"It made my heart full to feel the love and support from my Tiffany Circle sisters – forever grateful."