Gratitiude For A Selfless Act

April 30, 2009

in Illness/Medical Stories

Many years ago while I was still working for United, I had just returned from a trip from Paris to San Francisco and the next day had to head to Washington D.C. for school. I got a flat tire on the way to the airport and had to take a connecting flight through Chicago. Out of Chicago on a DC-10, I started to feel really sick. I identified myself as an employee and asked a flight attendant if she could find a Washington based crew member to tell me where the nearest hospital is to the airport.

By the time she returned, blood was poring out of my mouth and down my chest. She immediately asked for a doctor onboard. I don’t remember what else happened as I passed out soon after. I thought the next thing I would see was the ominous “warm, white light.” Well, I did see that, but thankfully as I was waking up in the ICU after surgery to fix a pulomonary embolism. The hospital staff told me that a doctor onboard stayed with me the whole time to the hospital and saved my life by keeping my mouth cleaned so I didn’t drown.

Unfortunately he wouldn’t leave his name. I left United and went on to grad school and eventually law school and now help others in need, free of charge. I never would have gotten this chance had it not been for him. I hope he reads this and knows how much my family and I appreciated his selfless act.

Keith from San Francisco

{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

Retired Army Guy May 1, 2009 at 3:03 am

You know, Keith, I have to say it's really nice to see a positive story here for a change. Good for him, and good for you!

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Anonymous May 1, 2009 at 4:38 am

I agree with Retired Army Guy. It was a heart warming story and offered a nice change of pace.

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Nacho May 1, 2009 at 6:40 am

Thank you for posting such a warm, heartfelt story. Certainly not something I expected from these boards, so I appreciate the change of pace!

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Anon May 1, 2009 at 6:41 am

Thank you Keith for a wonderful story. I too am an attorney (disability/civil) and if you pay it forward, good things certainly do come back 100 fold. I hope that you continue to do well in business and life.

Mina

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Jeanie May 1, 2009 at 7:12 am

That definitely qualifies as a "flight from hell", but unlike the others, this one has a happy ending. Kudos!

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Jodi May 1, 2009 at 10:49 am

Loved the story, and it was nice to see a positive end to it. Glad you’re doing well now, and I’m sure the man who helped you already knows what it’ll mean to your family and friends, and to all the people you help. You are thanking him in the best way possible, paying it forward.

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Onslow May 4, 2009 at 11:59 am

There are often kind persons around when the chips are down.

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Anomia May 21, 2009 at 6:50 am

Thank goodness for your Good Samaritan! Great story!

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anon May 27, 2009 at 1:48 pm

This story rocks. :o)

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