In an alarming update issued Jan. 8, 2024, the American Red Cross has declared a nationwide emergency blood shortage, marking the most severe crisis of its kind in two decades. With a significant 40% decrease in blood donors, the organization is grappling with dwindling supplies that could potentially delay critical medical procedures across the United States. This dire situation is further exacerbated by recent disruptions, including a notable shortfall of nearly 7,000 blood units during the holiday season. The impact is particularly acute for type O blood, one of the most needed blood types ..read more

In 2015, Queen Brown, a 62-year-old Chicagoan in the West Loop, was struggling. Even though she’d been sober for several years, she had fallen ill, lost her job and was living in a transitional home when a volunteer suggested she join an Ignatian Spirituality Project retreat — and she agreed. A self-described “city girl,” Brown initially felt uncomfortable in the bucolic Frankford, Illinois setting, uncertain what to expect from a spiritual retreat. But when she heard a former attendee telling her recovery story, something stirred in Brown. “It was heartwarming to hear her just so openly tell ..read more

“When people ask you about this movie,” said Peter Sarsgaard, “I don’t want you to say, ‘It’s about a guy with dementia.’” Sarsgaard made this comment during an interview with Northwestern University’s Nick Davis at Music Box Theatre on Friday, October 20, immediately following the screening of Memory. This film, written and directed by Michel Franco (Chronic, Nuevo Orden), had been one of the most anticipated movies at the 59th Annual Chicago International Film Festival. At the 2012 festival, Franco’s After Lucia received the Silver Hugo Special Jury Prize.  Earlier this year, Memory pre ..read more

Summer is here and the time is right for coming out to eat at new restaurants around Chicago and the North Shore. Supporting old favorites and giving a boost to newly opened restaurants and other businesses is a great way to keep our communities thriving. From dining and fitness to feline rescue and urgent care, here’s what’s new in town this month. Restaurants & Bars The Oakville Grill & Cellar The Oakville Grill & Cellar opened in April and is the most recent addition to the Lettuce Entertain You portfolio. Inspired by the hospitality, high-quality ingredients and world class wi ..read more

The Heroes Breakfast is hosted annually by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago to honor individuals and groups for acts of immense bravery, dedication and service to our community. The class of 2023 Red Cross Heroes is an exemplary group of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to build better communities, and who have made a lasting impact on others in the process. We hope you will consider joining us to recognize these 16 extraordinary individuals that prove heroes walk among us delivering kindness and making a difference every day. Please join Chicago’s most ..read more

Protecting the planet for future generations is a cause we all have a responsibility to support. The threats posed by climate change can be overwhelming, but experts remain hopeful that our environment can still be healed. In honor of Earth Day (April 22), we’re highlighting individuals and organizations in Chicago and nationally that are focused on fighting the climate crisis, providing solutions, and promoting sustainability. Do your part for the planet by supporting these organizations during Earth Month and beyond. How To Help Metropolitan Planning Council View this post on Ins ..read more

In Chicago, one in two children live in low income and homeless situations and many families are forced to decide between paying the bills and affording medication or basic necessities like diapers. If that choice sounds unimaginable, consider paying forward your good fortune by supporting these Chicagoland organizations that provide support and services to children, youth and families in Chicago and beyond. To find other deserving, local nonprofits in need of your support, peruse our Better Lists. For more about our Philanthropy Award winners, some featured in this article, visit the Make It ..read more

“I may be an old nun, but I know my hoops.”  Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt’s electrifying modesty is best summed up in that quote from her new book, Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years. It’s an energy that captured the nation’s heart during Loyola’s improbable March Madness run in 2018 where the 103-year-old nun was the star over any player competing in the tournament. Sister Jean’s Ramblers didn’t make the cut to be a part of this year’s NCAA tournament but, if the title of her new memoir didn’t give it away already, she is in high spirits. Since her rise as ..read more

Dr. Michael A. McGee, M.D., M.P.H. of Crown Point, Indiana is not only an emergency room physician and CEO of Chicago’s first Black-owned urgent care clinic, Premier Urgent Care — he is also the 2022 Red Cross Blood Services Hero Award recipient. During the fall of 2021, Dr. McGee partnered with the Red Cross and 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and coordinated a multiple city tour of sickle cell awareness blood drives beginning in Chicago and moving across the country. In the process, Dr. McGee and the 100 Black Men organization generated awareness across the country for the importance of blood ..read more

Like many of us, Alex Kariotis has experienced struggles in her relationships with food. She grew up in a Greek-Italian family in the Chicago area, one in which a lot of value was placed on cooking and eating together at the family table. While meals were a pleasurable event in her family, it also led her to take part in yo-yo dieting throughout high school and college. “I was either completely on a diet, or completely off one, for the better part of 10 years. It didn’t make me feel good,” she says.   Those feelings, plus watching one of her younger siblings struggle with anxiety and ..read more