As the six survivors gathered around the Celebration Cake and blew out the candles, everyone in the room agreed this gathering should be the first of many.
This was the scene at the close of the First Annual Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Birthday Party Blowout held back on June 2. The Birthday Party, hosted by American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter, was held during National CPR and AED Awareness Week and attended by Cardiac Arrest Survivors, their spouses, and two young daughters of one of the survivors. Six amazing stories were heard from individuals who beat the odds and survived sudden cardiac arrest because someone knew what to do, someone called 911, or someone knew CPR and there was an AED close by!!!!! I was extremely touched by the immediate closeness everyone in the room seemed to develop in such a short time. It was like they had known each other for years-all tied together as a result of a common life-changing experience—brought back to life by the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator).
Now this special group will be gathering again on Wed. Sept. 16 at 6:30p.m. The goal is to reach out to other survivors, family and friends to provide a venue in our community for people affected by sudden cardiac arrest. Survivors, family members, friends and others who have an interest in sharing experiences and promoting the need for more people to be
trained to do CPR and to use an AED are welcome to attend.
Join us:
Who: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors, spouses, family, friends
What: Cardiac Arrest Group Gathering
When: Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30p.m.
Where: American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter Headquarters
10195 Corporate Square, Creve Coeur, MO
by phone: 314-516-2730
Survivors in attendance on June 2 were:
Dick Bylund, saved on Nov. 4, 1993 while attending his son’s football game
Bill Schafer, saved after collapsing on a moving sidewalk at Chicago O’Hare on Nov. 11, 1999
Bob Rahm, saved on Aug. 13, 2006 at home
Linda Dickson, saved on March 22, 2007 while attending a church meeting
Sylvan Griffith, saved in his home May 3, 2008
Gary Gustafson saved on Dec. 30, 2008 after collapsing while refereeing a local basketball tournament
Thanks!!
Dana
Dana Garner is the AED Program Specialist for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.