Support a Family Hero, Help Clints Recovery

A Hero at 11

Four days after celebrating her 11th birthday, Vada Carawan became a hero. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, her dad, Clint, wasn’t feeling well. He had been tired all day, and by late afternoon, he mentioned pain in his left arm. Vada remembered him saying once that this could be a warning sign of a heart attack, and her concern grew.

Despite her efforts to convince him to go to the hospital, Clint, ever the sweet but stubborn man, insisted he was fine. But Vada wasn’t about to leave his side. When he went to the bathroom and took longer than usual, she called out for him. He came out, looking unsteady, grabbing onto the dresser before collapsing.

In that critical moment, scared and teary eyed but determined, she reached for her phone and called 911.

What’s incredible is that just eleven days earlier, Vada attended a Girl Scouts meeting where she had learned CPR for the very first time. Clint had driven her there, sitting in the parking lot, never imagining how important that meeting would become.

When the dispatcher asked Vada if she knew CPR, she responded, “I just learned it.” The dispatcher guided her, and this brave little girl began chest compressions on her dad. With her tiny hands, she worked tirelessly, following every instruction, staying calm until the paramedics arrived.

When the paramedics got to Clint, he was unresponsive. They gave him two doses of epinephrine and had to resuscitate him twice before his heart began beating again. Their quick actions, combined with Vada’s bravery and composure, saved Clint’s life.

Clint was rushed to Virginia Beach General Hospital, where doctors placed two stents in his heart, stabilizing him. He was later airlifted to Norfolk Heart Hospital for continued care. On Wednesday, Clint was successfully removed from life support and is now on the road to recovery.

Throughout all of this, Clint has one thing on his mind: his daughter. Every time someone mentions Vada, he lights up, calling her his “angel” and saying how “terrific” she is. And he’s right. Vada is not just a little girl. She’s a lifesaver.

This Thanksgiving, we are overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for the doctors and paramedics who worked tirelessly but for Vada, whose courage gave her dad a second chance at life.

Above all, we want to share a message with everyone: teach and learn CPR as early as possible. Vada proved that even the smallest hands can make the biggest difference. You never know when you’ll be called to act, and the skills you learn today could save a life tomorrow. Also, for those of you with heart disease in your family please get checked. He should have had a coronary calcium scan and I wish we had known sooner. One artery was 100% blocked, one 80% blocked and we just didn’t know.

As Clint continues his recovery, the Carawan family faces mounting medical bills and other expenses. We humbly ask for your support through this GoFundMe to help ease the financial strain so Clint can focus on healing and cherishing these precious moments with his daughter. Every donation, no matter the size, is a gift of kindness that will never be forgotten.

Vada has already done the unimaginable. Now, let’s show her that her bravery inspires us all.

Update!**

first we want to thank everyone for all of their beautiful comments and outpouring of love that you have shown Vada and our family. It is truly unforgettable.

Update – February 1, 2025

We are beyond grateful for the overwhelming love, support, and generosity shown to our family over these past few weeks. Your kind words, donations, and encouragement have meant the world to us.

The Best News – Clint is Home!

Clint has been released from the hospital and is resting at home. Every day, he’s getting stronger, and we’re cherishing every moment together. His doctors have him on a strict recovery plan, and while he still has a long road ahead, he’s in good spirits and grateful for this second chance.

A Hero’s Recognition

Vada’s incredible bravery has gained well-deserved recognition far beyond our family. She was featured on The Tamron Hall Show, and Kurt Williams has already done two segments on her, with a third coming where she’ll meet the dispatcher who guided her through saving her dad’s life. The American Heart Association wrote a story about her, and she’s been invited to speak on Eagle 97!

But Vada isn’t stopping there—she’s inspired to keep making a difference. She wants to start a YouTube channel teaching kids lifesaving and practical skills that every child should know. Keep an eye out for The Monkey Brain Show on YouTube—it’s going to be something special!

How You Can Help

Clint is still unable to return to work as he focuses on healing, and we’re taking things one day at a time. Any donations will continue to support his recovery and help ensure Vada has every opportunity for a bright future. Since she is homeschooled, we are able to nurture her passions and give her the best education possible, and your generosity helps make that possible.

Thank you all for your love and support. We are so incredibly blessed to have this community behind us.