I managed to turn the car around and when we pulled into the parking lot of the hardware store I could see that the man was in serious trouble. He appeared to be non-responsive. There were two men standing over the man who was ill.

We asked what had happened and learned that the man had complained of not feeling well, had gone down on his knees, and had then fallen over. They had called 911 and were waiting for the ambulance. My son took the man’s pulse but there was no movement and I knew he needed more help than we could give.

How many times over the years had I thought about taking CPR and didn’t? I have never felt so helpless in my life. I called 911 again and urged them to hurry. They assured me someone was on the way.

I looked at my son kneeling by the man and he looked back at me questioningly. “Pray,” I said. “That’s all we can do.” And we did.

Within a few minutes folks who did know how to administer CPR pulled up and started the procedure.

It was close to one hundred degrees outside that day and I knew the black top the man was hot. I went to my car and found a blue sweater and put it under his head.

Twenty minutes after we arrived on the scene an ambulance arrived. I suspected it was too late and I learned later that it was.

A learning experience…

I live in a very small town and even though I didn’t know this man, I’m sure I knew some of his relatives. I hope they take a little consolation in the fact that he didn’t die alone and that there were people there praying for him.

I will always regret that I didn’t know how to do CPR. One of the first things I did the next day was to call and find a CPR class. I hope I never have to use it but if I do, next time I’ll be ready.

If you don’t know how to do CPR I hope you will learn from my story and take a class. You never know when you might be called upon to save someone’s life.

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With October and National Breast Cancer Awareness month fast approaching, I’d like to ask for your support in this fight.  I have set up a Team page with the Susan G. Komen foundation, and I’d love for you to join the NanaHood team.

I’d like to ask three things of you.  Starting October 1st, pledge to

(1) wear something pink (even if it’s just a pin or bracelet)

(2) Remind all the women you love to routinely examine themselves and older women to get mammograms

(3) To bake Cupcakes for a Cure and donate the proceeds to the NanaHood’s Friends and Family Team at Susan G. Komen.

So, what is Cupcakes for a Cure?

Because so many of my friends and family are spread out across the country I have come up with an idea that each of us can do on our own and then combine the funds that we raise for the NanaHood Friends and Family team.

I am not a gourmet chef but I can make cupcakes with pink icing. If I get real creative I may even figure out how to decorate them with a pink ribbon on top.

My plan is every weekend during the month of October I will make at least one or two batches of cupcakes. I will sell them at work and I intend to ask a local restaurant if I can sell them there. I intend to sell them for $1 each. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot but consider this: If Peggy in Arizona, Kiera in North Carolina, Brittany in Arkansas and Mandy in Florida all participate and if each of them get just one friend to do it too, we will reach our 2,000 dollar goal.

So how about it gals? Will you help me help get rid of this awful disease by cooking up some Cupcakes for a Cure?

You can access the online team page HERE to make donations online.

You can also send your donation(s) in by check.  Click HERE to download a donation form to send along with your check. Our Team ID is 10050132. Please include this important number on all your donation forms.

Let’s Pledge to Fight Breast Cancer!!

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