CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- She may be retired, but a local nurse is off to Alabama to help in recovery efforts following a deadly tornado.
Terri Walsh worked at an Oak Park hospital for nearly 30 years but said her desire to help others only intensified after she retired in May 2017.
Walsh was “virtually deployed” by the American Red Cross in the wake of a previous disaster. She answered phone calls and directed those affected to health care facilities.
Less than two years later, she's physically traveling to Lee County, where 23 people were killed over the weekend.
"Because I'm a nurse, I probably will be helping in the healthcare capacity, most likely in a shelter."
Walsh is one of five local Red Cross volunteers being deployed this week.
"I think, especially in retirement, this is a great opportunity to get out and learn new things," Walsh said. "It's been a very rewarding opportunity for me and a good use of my time during retirement."