She’s one the six amazing local heroes that the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross – headquartered in Salem – honored this morning at their annual awards event (much like our Breakfast of Champions).

Claudia’s story is truly amazing – not just because of what she did to help save a stranger’s life, but also because of her historic role as the Salem community’s first African-American Licensed Practical Nurse. In this video she shares her perspective on growing up as an African-American in Salem before the civil rights movement and her journey to becoming a nurse. It’s moving, for sure.

Congratulations to Claudia and all the other heroes in the Salem area. You can read about them here, and watch more videos here.