In times of crisis, it’s often the quiet heroes who leave the most lasting impact. Heroes who step in with skill and compassion when the world feels uncertain. One of those heroes is Marianne Hurley, a long-time disaster health volunteer with the American Red Cross.
This year, Hurley’s unwavering dedication was recognized on a national scale. She received the prestigious Ann Magnussan Award, given annually to just one nurse in the entire American Red Cross network. As the first and only recipient from the Texas Gulf Coast Region, this award is a testament not only to her clinical skill but to her deep humanity, setting an inspiring example of what it means to serve with heart and leadership.
Hurley, from Katy, Texas, first began volunteering with the Red Cross in 2004, offering support to sheltering operations at her church. After spending 52 years as a registered nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care (SICU), the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and the emergency departments, she retired from her paid nursing career in 2011 and began channeling decades of experience into direct patient care and volunteer leadership.
“I wanted to get out of managing and back to taking care of patients,” she said. She currently serves as the Health Program Lead for the Texas Gulf Coast Region.
Though humble about her accomplishments, Hurley’s impact speaks volumes. Her commitment to health services during disasters has touched countless lives. And now, with her family and colleagues cheering her on, she’s reminding all of us of the power of individual volunteers in our mission.
“Mostly though,” she adds, “I am amazed at the strength and fortitude shown by the clients as they recover when they have been so adversely affected, and I am lifted by their gratitude for the help we offer.”
Outside of the Red Cross, Marianne continues to give back. She volunteers with the ESD48 Fire Department on the Incident Support Team. She and her husband just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, and together they have four children and six grandchildren, who she calls “the light of our life.” In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, genealogy research, and scrapbooking.
For those who’ve had the privilege of working alongside her, Hurley represents the very best of what the Red Cross stands for: compassion, professionalism, and service.
“Marianne is an incredible asset to our team,” said Mia Bendixsen, Coastal Plains Executive Director. “She is always there. No matter if it’s a large-scale disaster or an everyday house fire- you can guarantee that Marianne is helping those affected with their needs.”
Marianne has served for more than 20 years and been a part of more than 37 Disaster Relief Operations locally and nationally.
Please join us in congratulating Marianne Hurley on this extraordinary achievement. We’re proud to serve alongside her and grateful for the life-saving difference she continues to make every day!
If you’d like to join the Red Cross and volunteer like Hurley, go to redcross.org/Texas.
Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross 