Beverly Kearney's life is all about speed and winning. She's the legendary head coach of the University of Texas women's track and field team. Under her leadership, the Longhorns have claimed six national 
As soon as her mother's car pulled away, Cathy Harper Lee always counted the blades of grass on the lawn. She hoped to reach a high number. That meant a few moments alone before her step-father ordered her inside. 
February 16, 2010
Doctors saved Laura Geraghty's life last year when she went into a cardiac arrest for almost an hour, and this month the Boston resident got a chance to repay the debt.
In early February, Geraghty was shopping at a local Wal-Mart when she saw a stranger collapse of an apparent heart attack, according to TheBostonChannel.com. Due to her own health history, the woman carried a pocket CPR device that she promptly used to administer chest compressions to the man until he resumed breathing and his pulse came back.
"I watched his stomach go up and down, and it was like, 'Wow!'," she told the news provider.
And to stress the value of learning from experience, Geraghty added that a year ago "I wouldn't have known what I know now, and I may have probably not gotten involved."
According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, the condition kills approximately 250,000 Americans each year. Experts say knowing the symptoms of SCA - which include loss of consciousness as well as loss of normal breathing, pulse and blood pressure - and calling 911 immediately, can make a big difference.
Being able to apply CPR and use an automatic external defibrillation AED device are some of the best ways to increase the chances of survival in those who have suffered an episode.
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, which accepts donations, offers comprehensive resources that can help survivors get back to normal life and thrive.
