NORFOLK, Va. — 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
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
“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.