Kent resident to be honored as a Red Cross “Hero”

Kent resident Margaret Mathai will be honored March 26 by the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties as a 2009 “Everyday Hero.”

On Veteran’s Day weekend in 2007, Mathai was cooking in her kitchen when a pan of hot oil caught fire. Fearing that her apartment would catch fire and her neighbors might be harmed, Mathai grabbed the flaming pan and threw it outside. In doing so, she suffered severe burns on her hands and arms.

Following several months of recovery, Mathai wanted to turn a negative situation into an opportunity to give back. She knew there were others like her who didn’t understand some of the hazards of American-style living and cooking.

Margaret now volunteers with the American Red Cross and teaches African immigrants and refugees how to mitigate and handle emergencies. She covers topics such as fire prevention, what to do in a fire and how important it is to call 9-1-1.

Carol Dunn, a disaster preparedness educator at the Red Cross, says Mathai is a hero “because she took a difficult, challenging situation and actually saved her apartment building … and is taking that knowledge and sharing it with others.”

When asked if she thinks of herself a hero Mathai said, “nothing else matters but saving a life.” She added, “I live with a scar, but I live with a noble intention.”

Mathai is one of 11 heroes who will be honored at the 13th annual Heroes Breakfast – “Everyday People, Everyday Heroes” – sponsored by Costco Wholesale. The event runs from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle. All proceeds will support disaster-relief efforts in King County.

For more information visit www.seattleredcross.com.