Courtney Stasi did an amazing thing. The daughter of YMCA fitness director Kristi Stasi, Courtney recently used her Red Cross CPR skills to administer the Heimlich Maneuver on her mother, clearing her airway of food she was choking on.

As a result, staff members of both the YMCA and the American Red Cross have awarded Courtney with a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. The honor is awarded to people who save or sustain a life by action that exemplifies the aims of the Red Cross.

This incident is a reminder of how important it is for everyone to be trained in techniques such as CPR and the Heimlich. Courtney’s preparedness may have saved the life of her mother, and we hope this story inspires residents to keep up-to-date on Red Cross training.

Courtney not only deserves the honor she recently received, but she also deserves to be called a hero.