A holiday tradition is YNN’s presentation of Red Cross Real Hero stories. The 2011 Real Heroes were honored Wednesday morning at the Red Cross Real Hero Breakfast at the Oncenter. This is the story of the 2011 Blood Donor Hero.

“26 years ago, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had surgery. Following the surgery, it took a toll on my body and I needed multiple blood transfusions to save my life,” said Cheryl Barredo, the 2011 Blood Donor Real Hero.

English teacher Cheryl Barredo shared that story with her students at Christian Brother’s Academy. The students responded by donating their own blood.

“We do two in-school blood drives a year… Often those first time donors are among those that become lifetime donors, and they get their start within a safe environment… And I also reinforce with them that their sacrifice that day of perhaps donating blood, is going to help someone else through a challenge in their life and that they are doing something really fantastic,” said Barredo.

For Cheryl, the hero label bestowed upon her really belongs to the students she teaches.

“I’m not sure if the title really feels comfortable for me because I don’t consider myself a hero at all… I feel as if I am seeing them as heroes because they are filled with pride, and have a sense of accomplishment and they feel good about what they have done and hopefully that will carry on throughout their lives so they will be repeat donors and be able to help others throughout their lifetime,” said Barredo.

Barredo is a teacher who teaches more than just English. Cheryl Barredo is the 2011 Red Cross Blood Donor Real Hero.