Yesterday the staff and volunteers at our chapter of the American Red Cross had the opportunity to recognize and appreciate a local woman’s heroic action. Melissa Bumbalough had been certified in CPR by the Red Cross since 1988, but never had to use her knowledge until recently. This Memorial Day weekend Melissa was at the pool in her apartment complex when two swimmers pulled a fourteen year old boy up from the bottom of the pool. He was not breathing. Despite her fibromyalgia Melissa sprang to action while everyone else was paralyzed in fear. After about four minutes the boy coughed up water and began to breathe on his own.
The young boy, Kajuan Johnson, and his mother, Linda Knight, were able to join us for a ceremony honoring Melissa. When she arrived a few minutes later she was greeted by employees, volunteers, newscasters, and more importantly, her new close friends. The Red Cross presented Melissa with the Extraordinary Personal Action Award, and when she spoke about this experience, she teared up. As she told her story, a silence fell over the room and everyone was amazed by this woman’s character. She truly embodies the values of the Red Cross. Despite the physical pain that she endured and is still recovering from, she acted courageously and selflessly. Linda is eternally grateful and calls Melissa her guardian angel, proclaiming that because of this bond they will be friends forever.
I was very thankful to be able to witness this ceremony. It was incredibly inspirational, that despite this woman’s disabilities she could still use her training in a moment of dire need to save a life. Melissa made me consider what I would do if I were in her situation. I doubt I would idly stand by and do nothing, but would I know exactly what needed to be done? One thing is for sure: I am taking advantage of the CPR training classes the American Red Cross offers and becoming certified as soon as possible.
-Nicole Cannavo, American Red Cross, Virginia Capital Region Summer Intern
This is inspiring, thanks for sharing.
I’d like to say Thank You for this portrayal of one of the most important and meaningful days in my life. I am even more honored that these events have led to your desire to become certified. It brought tears to my eyes reading that. May God bless you as he has me!!