Help Hero Who Saved Choking Child

Click Here to WATCH NEWS VIDEO

Click to READ INDEX-JOURNAL article

On January 12, 2024, my 4-year-old son, Axl, choked on a biscuit in his carseat behind me. I stopped in the middle median and quickly took him out of his carseat, just to realize he wasn't breathing. The food had completely blocked his airway. I immediately gave him back blows but it did nothing. I then tried to recall all I'd learned in cpr class and tried the Heimlich Maneuver – but to no avil. I knew time was of the essence and desperation set in so I began to cry out for help.

It was odd to me that the streets were empty of cars, the sidewalks had no one on them, and the parking lots were empty. I began to feel very alone and realized no one could hear me. I began to cry out again– then a man appeared on the other side of my car. I didnt know where he'd come from or how he got there but I was so thankful to see another face. I'd later learn it was Donnie Hurley, a Burger King worker from across the street. Donnie had heard my cries for help as he was taking out the trash and rushed across the highway.

Donnie performed the Heimlich Maneuver for what felt like forever but what I believe to havr been about a full 3 minutes. It seemed nothing was happening. But determined, he continued on and finally my sons mouth became to bubble. Then what we'd all been waiting for- a cough! My son coughed, vomitted several times, then began finally breathing again. At last, he gave Donnie a high five, telling Donnie he was a "superhero."

I am eternally grateful for the gift of life he gave that day. Donnie didnt just save my sons life but he also saved mine. I wouldn't have been able to bounce back from such a great loss as my son.

I'm hoping that the community can come together and help me express gratitude to him in a tangible way. It could have been any of our chileten that day. Thank God for heroes like him. This campaign was created to help ease Donnie and his family of financial burden as they enter this new year so that they can enter 2024 one step ahead.

I am thankful to everyone who gives. Thank you so much!