A little over a year ago, I went for a walk in my usual park?something I had done countless times before. But that day turned out to be anything but ordinary. I experienced a medical emergency that could have ended very differently, if not for the heroic actions of a complete stranger.

A bystander, whose name I will keep to myself, immediately stepped in and performed CPR until emergency services arrived. Their quick thinking and selfless bravery quite literally saved my life. Because of them?and the incredible care I received from EMS and the medical team?I was able to walk out of the hospital just five days and one surgery later.

There are no words big enough to express the gratitude I feel. Every day since has been a gift I don?t take for granted.