Elmont Online

“There is not enough time in the day,” is a common phrase in the conversational repertoire of multi-tasking individuals.  It expresses the daily frustration of people who has places to go and things to do but not enough time to do it all.  In this current, economically strained reality, many people hold multiple jobs and are unable to scheduled non-income producing, personally enriching activities.  Yet, unlike most, Magaly Polo finds the time and energy to wear her many hats, including that of international volunteer which has made her the modern face of the American Red Cross.

Elmont, NY resident, Magaly Polo, is an extraordinary woman.  She deals with all of the everyday stresses like many of her neighbors in her “Gateway to Nassau” community; the jobs, the home, the children, etc.  However, that doesn’t deter her from finding the strength to pursue her core calling, her desire to help others.

On January 12, 2010, Magaly’s homeland, Haiti, was stricken by a devastating earthquake that severely affected more than 1,000,000 people.  Ms. Polo, who holds multiple jobs and single handedly cares for her two children, answered the call during the massive international relief effort.  She made impromptu arrangements for her children’s care, took a leave of absence from her jobs and acquired an emergency passport so that she could assume her role as a Creole-speaking translator and the sole social worker aboard the USNS Comfort hospital ship stationed off Port – au – Prince, Haiti.

For 30 days, Polo worked from half-past five in the morning until midnight counseling patients from each of the ship’s wards, including the intensive care unit.  Her language and social care skills were put to use as she counseled many severely injured new mothers and mothers of children born on-board, to cope with bonding issues.  Magaly also helped patients cope with life-altering injuries, separation from and death of family and other major losses like that of homes, possessions, and jobs.

Her dedication to humanitarianism has earned her the distinct recognition of being the modern face of the American Red Cross.  Elmont On-Line recently accompanied Magaly to the Red Cross of Greater New York’s Heritage Gallery where an exhibit displaying her bio and humanitarian service had been established.  “The Red Cross Spirit, Then and Now”, as the exhibit is named, places her service alongside the service of World War 1 volunteer Mary Wiess, who served 19 months aboard the S.S. Red Cross and in French hospitals tending to wounded soldiers from both sides of the battlefield.  “People often talk about the need to dedicate more time to helping others, being a true advocate for others” says Aubrey Phillips, Elmont On-Line moderator, “when I saw Magaly’s contribution to the Red Cross Effort in this exhibit, it only proved to me that it takes a special quality to actually turn ambitious words to action . . . a quality Magaly has.”

After returning home, Polo received the “Woman of the Year Trailblazer Award” from the Nassau County Executive’s Office as well as The U.S. Navy’s “Person of the Day Award” while serving on board the USNS Comfort.  “I am humbled by this recognition.  Being referred to as the modern face for the American Red Cross I can only hope that I embody their “Spirit,” says Magaly.  She continued, “It makes me proud that my children can see the example I’ve set which will help them to become productive and compassionate citizens of this world.”

For information on how to volunteer with the American Red Cross, visit http://www.nyredcross.org.