In Memoriam: Alexis DeFreitas-Liburd

It is with a heavy heart that the Greater New York Region announces the loss of one of our beloved family members: NYC leader and Red Cross change maker, Alexis DeFreitas-Liburd. Alexis truly represented a powerful force for good in this world and exemplified how a life that touches others goes on forever.

Alexis joined us nine years ago through her work with the charity Hope Worldwide, first serving as a Purple Pro-Team member through our Ready When the Time Comes program and then taking on a role leading a Disaster Action Team. She also was deeply involved with our Home Fire Campaign, helping to save lives all over the five boroughs. Through the years, Alexis immersed herself in our mission, taking part in as many disasters operations, trainings and other events as she could. Since joining us she volunteered alongside her sisters in faith from Hope Worldwide, Hazel-Ann Rose and Ana Soler, as well as with her beloved husband Clayton, all of whom we hold deeply in our thoughts.

Her spirit was contagious, evident in the way she inspired and lifted up Red Cross clients and volunteers alike. From helping storm survivors after Sandy to writing letters to service members far from home, no gesture of compassion was too big or too small.

We say farewell to our friend and neighbor but not to her energy that will live on through the countless lives she touched. More than anything, we will remember her smiles: the ones shared with her nearest and dearest, and the ones bestowed on total strangers who needed it most. We are so proud for all she’s done, for her work ethic, for how she represented her family and for all the light she shined on the world.