American Red Cross’ Post

Franck was separated from his parents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after violence escalated, resulting in thousands killed and 1.4 million people displaced. Tragically, he also lost contact with his sister. “They were killing everybody, and I made the decision to run because I was scared the people would kill me, too," Franck said. Young and alone, Franck traveled to a city further away where he felt safe. He worked at a barber shop until he saved enough money to leave the DR Congo. "In this moment when I left my country, I didn't know where my parents were or where my sister was,” Franck said. "Even today, I don't know if they killed my parents." After immigrating to the U.S., Franck connected with his great uncle, who took him in. It was his uncle who also connected Franck with the Red Cross and our Restoring Family Links Program. This program locates missing loved ones who are separated due to events like armed conflict. It took three years, but caseworkers found Franck's sister in a refugee camp. She had traveled nearly 2,000 miles to Zimbabwe. After more than eight years apart, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society helped Franck's sister call her brother. “Hello?” a familiar female voice whispered. “Hello?” a familiar male voice responded. “Is that you, big brother?” “It’s me. Is that you little sister?” Franck could hear her sobs on the other side of the phone.