The Red Cross has a long tradition of reuniting families separated by war, disaster, and migration. Since Henry Dunant’s vision at the Battle of Solferino in 1859, this mission has evolved into what we now know as Restoring Family Links (RFL)—a global effort to help families stay connected, even in the most difficult circumstances. Today, Red Cross volunteers across the world work tirelessly to trace missing loved ones, deliver messages, and provide answers to families who have waited years—or even decades—for news.

One of those families belongs to Claudya (Klara) Karovisheva, a Russian-born woman now in her 90s, living in Texas. As a teenager during World War II, Claudya was separated from her stepmother and siblings when she was taken from her home near Leningrad to a German labor camp. It was the last time she ever saw them. After the war, she married an American soldier, moved to the United States, and raised a family of her own. But even after building a happy life, she never stopped longing for word about her stepmother and siblings.

Her search stretched across decades and continents. Through the Red Cross Restoring Family Links program, volunteers in Houston and partner organizations in Russia, Latvia, and Ukraine worked for five years to trace her case. While no records could be found to confirm the fate of her loved ones, the dedication of Red Cross teams ensured that Claudya’s story—and her family’s history—was not forgotten. When volunteers met with her to share the results, they were welcomed not just by Claudya, but by her children, all eager to honor her memories and the hope she carried for so long.

Claudya’s resilience and her unwavering hope embody the very heart of the Restoring Family Links mission. Even when answers cannot be found, the act of listening, searching, and remembering gives families dignity, connection, and the assurance that their loved ones’ stories matter.

  • Claudya and her family
  • Claudya’s father died in a bombing and was buried at this church. She revisited this site in 2002.
  • Claudya as a young woman
  • Claudya German identification documents
  • Claudya with our RFL Houston Team

Join Us
Every day, families around the world are still searching for loved ones. Through Restoring Family Links, Red Cross volunteers bring hope and connection to those who need it most. If you’re inspired by Claudya’s story, consider supporting or volunteering with the Red Cross. Together, we can continue the work of reuniting families and ensuring no one is ever forgotten. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer