When 8-year-old Kailey George woke up feeling unwell, no one could have predicted how that day would unfold. She didn’t just come home early from school to rest—she came home to save her mom’s life.
It all started like any other September day. Christie Cunningham, 35, had been at work when she got the call about Kailey feeling sick. Wanting to care for her daughter, Christie decided to leave early to pick her up. But as it turned out, Kailey wasn’t the one who needed saving that day.
Once they arrived home, Christie started feeling off. Her back ached terribly, and she hoped using a foam roller would ease the pain. But instead of relief, she collapsed to the floor.
Kailey, sensing something was wrong, rushed to her mom’s side. That’s when she noticed something strange—her mom’s mouth drooped, and her speech sounded odd. Alarmed, Kailey asked, “Are you playing tricks?”
But Christie wasn’t playing tricks. She was having a stroke.
Unaware of how serious it was, Christie tried to brush it off. She thought some water would help, but when she couldn’t lift her arm to take a sip, Kailey knew it was time to act.
Though Christie insisted they didn’t need to call for help, Kailey trusted her instincts. She phoned her dad and told him what was happening. Hearing Christie struggle to speak, her dad immediately called 911. Paramedics arrived just in time to save her life.
The stroke was caused by a blood clot that had traveled through a hole in Christie’s heart—a condition she didn’t even know she had. The clot made its way to her brain, causing the terrifying episode.
Thankfully, Christie survived and underwent surgery to close the hole in her heart. While her recovery involves taking baby aspirin for the rest of her life, she’s grateful to be alive—and even more grateful for her daughter’s quick thinking.
Kailey’s bravery didn’t go unnoticed. She was honored in a special ceremony at school, where police officers, paramedics, and her classmates celebrated her heroic actions.
Looking back, every moment of that day felt like fate. From Kailey coming home sick to her noticing the signs of a stroke, each small detail contributed to saving Christie’s life.
Strokes can steal precious time, but thanks to Kailey, her mom’s story had a happy ending.
Let this story remind us all to trust our instincts, stay aware of stroke symptoms, and act fast when someone needs help.
Share this inspiring story with your loved ones—it’s a powerful reminder that heroes come in all sizes.
