In a heartbeat, you could be the difference.
9 out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don't survive. Most of the time, it's because no one nearby performed CPR. But together, we can change that.
Ryan is alive today because God put him in the path of people who knew CPR. On October 2, 2024, he suffered cardiac arrest in the parking lot of Advance Auto Parts. There are at least two people that we know of who performed CPR that day - Jason, the manager of the store, and Brett, a medical professional at a nearby office.
Between the time he went down and the time that they got his vitals back at the hopital, he received CPR for over 50 minutes and a 17th shock to the heart got him back. We are still learning the full story of what happened that day. Surely there are more people to thank, not to mention the EMTs who worked on him in the ambulence. It's a miracle that Ryan survived.
Had it not been for the quick reaction time and perseverance of the amazing people who helped him, he wouldn't be here for us, his wife Annie and two young daughters, Stella (11) and Scarlett (12). Somehow, by the grace of God, he has minor nerve damage and can live a normal life witih his family and be here for the countless friends and family who love him.
Ryan wants to use his story to bring awareness to three things:
- Learn CPR so you can save a life.
- Place AEDs in your businesses and communities.
- Live an active, heart healthy life.
Before cardiac arrest, Ryan was very active in his work and personal life and ate a heart-healthy diet. He did all the right things and this still happened to him, but it is not in vain. His sister says the reason he was able to recover from this is because he is strong and healthy. She's right.
We invite you to join our team today or support by making a donation. Thank you for being part of our story.
Love, the Acree Family