Red Cross volunteer crosses country to help

Travis Lau describes his mother, Esther Lau, as nurturing and supportive. The mother of two volunteered with the American Red Cross after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and has since served on 40 deployments.

She has had to leave within 24 hours of receiving a call for help, and the deployments last at least two weeks. She said she has never worried about her own safety, even when traveling across the country to help when hurricanes Katrina and Sandy hit. The most rewarding part of each deployment has been talking to people and helping them in any way she can, the Nuuanu resident said.

“I wanted to help people and it was right after 9/11,” said Lau, 67. “They’re always grateful. I have not come across anyone who’s not. I enjoy doing it.”

Lau, who works in a medical office and is a registered nurse, said she volunteers because she knows that by helping others, “people get what they need” during a disaster. Her son, Travis, 36, recalled that his mother encouraged him and his sister to get involved in community service and charity work.

“We know that she enjoys (volunteering with the Red Cross), so we’re not really worried for her per se. If anything happens, she knows she’s doing what she’s enjoying and helping other people,” said Travis Lau, who nominated his mother for Heroes Next Door. “It’s kind of exciting for her.”

Angela Woolliams, disaster program specialist at the American Red Cross in Hawaii, described Esther Lau as a mentor who is always willing to help others and train new volunteers. Woolliams said Lau is vital in providing health services to those in need, such as helping to recover prescription medications and glasses, and talking to people and their doctors.

“She never hesitates to go on deployments to help people in need. (And) if they (volunteers) have questions, she’s always willing to answer,” said Woolliams, who is Lau’s supervisor. “She is always eager to help to step up when it’s necessary, especially if there is a hurricane or any time there’s something that is happening. We just feel very fortunate that she’s been with us for so long, and she’s really dedicated.”

Lau also volunteers at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, where she takes turns cuddling newborns. She said it helps to nurture the babies, especially those with parents or other family members who are not able to visit often.

Volunteering is “something I want to do,” Lau said. “I love doing it, and I just like working with people.”

HONORING THOSE WHO GIVE

About this series

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser recently asked readers to help shine a light on the good works of a few true unsung heroes. Readers responded with nominees from divergent walks of island life who share a common desire to help others. Star-Advertiser editors chose five Heroes Next Door who will be highlighted in stories through Wednesday.