One local woman is being deemed a hero after she sprung into action to save a stranger’s life.
“I want everyone to learn CPR, don’t be afraid to jump in when you need to,” Wendy Graefe, a certified nurse-midwife, said.
When Graefe saw a man collapse on the track at Granby High School back in March, she did not hesitate to run to his aid.
Watch previous coverage: Norfolk man meets the stranger who saved him from a heart attack
Norfolk woman saves stranger by performing CPR
Surveillance footage obtained by News 3 shows the moment Michael Johnson collapsed to the ground while suffering from a heart attack. Just moments later, Graefe can be seen running to Johnson’s aid and initiating CPR.
“You don’t have to be perfect at CPR,” Graefe said. “If a person’s on the ground, they’re dead. You can’t hurt them more than they’re hurt, so please step in.”
Graefe says she hopes that others would do the same.
News 3 was there to witness the emotional moment Johnson and Graefe reunited for the first time since his heart attack.
“I woke up in the hospital and heard all these stories about this lady that saved my life, and everything,” Johnson said. “I wanted to meet her.”
The two met over Memorial Day weekend and still stay in touch.
Watch a previous Everday Hero: Kempsville PONY Champions Division supporter, veteran is a News 3 Everyday Hero
Kempsville PONY Champions Division supporter, veteran is a News 3 Everyday Hero
“I just talked to him last night, and I told him when he gets back to walking, I’ll join him on the track,” Graefe said.
Her decision to step in that day is what ultimately saved Johnson’s life, with Johnson calling Graefe ‘an angel.’
To honor Graefe for her selfless actions, News 3's Erin Miller surprised her with an Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
Upon receiving her award, she was met with applause and cheers from her coworkers.
“I can’t say it enough, please learn CPR,” Graefe said.
More News 3 Everyday Hero stories
Woman honored for helping to save stranger having a heart attack
Web Staff
10:26 PM, Jun 11, 2024
Kempsville PONY Champions Division supporter, veteran is a News 3 Everyday Hero
Kurt Williams
5:32 PM, Jun 04, 2024
Chesapeake police officer recognized for act of kindness
Blaine Stewart
6:20 PM, May 28, 2024
Beloved Norfolk crossing guard is a News 3 Everyday Hero
Jessica Larché
5:15 AM, May 21, 2024
News 3 Everyday Hero is the 'energizer bunny' of substitute teachers
Web Staff
9:46 PM, May 14, 2024
George’s Steak House server saves choking woman on Easter Sunday
Jen Lewis
5:37 AM, May 07, 2024
Norfolk mother who lost son to gun violence celebrated as a community ‘hero’
Jessica Larché
5:54 PM, Apr 30, 2024
Art teacher creates a fun, safe place for middle school students
April Loveland
5:39 PM, Apr 23, 2024
Most Popular
Comments / 0