For Patricia “Patti” Bonnell, October 20, 2010 began like any other day, but it wouldn’t end that way. She started the day off with a visit to the beauty shop and then went to Kroger’s to pick up a few things. She chatted with a worker and headed to the checkout lanes. She felt tired, but shrugged it off; everyone feels tired. She wouldn’t remember anything until a week later.

Lying in the hospital, Patti learned that she suffered a cardiac arrest and that her life was saved by an employee, Markus Gloria, who responded to a PA announcement asking for medical assistance. Markus had recently learned CPR and went to see if he could help. He found Patti on the floor, unresponsive and without a pulse. He quickly began CPR and continued until paramedics arrived.

Markus’ actions for a stranger earned him a lifelong friend in Patti, who credits her being here today to him, “If it wasn’t for Markus starting CPR, I wouldn’t be alive.” Markus has since gone on to complete training to be an EMT (emergency medical technician) and is pursuing paramedic certification.

Markus gave the gift of life, and you can too. Learn CPR…because saving a life isn’t just for the experts.