The Best Gift a Sister Could Give

by Kristine Ripley

What would you do if you were an 11-year-old girl and your 8-year-old brother began to choke? If you were like Lindsay Carroll you would know exactly what to do.

Lindsay's brother, Michael Carroll, was throwing dry cereal in the air and trying to catch it when the unthinkable happened--it landed just the wrong way and lodged in his throat. A couple of weeks earlier, Lindsay had taken the American Red Cross Babysitter's Training Course. She put what she learned there into action. Lindsay performed abdominal thrusts until Michael coughed up the cereal that was blocking his airway. Thanks to Lindsay, Michael is alive and well today.

Lindsay has been awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for her heroic actions. This is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills they learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety Course.