Ithaca Staff member, students, and community members help in time of medical emergency

Article author Adam D. Hess is an employee of Civic Media, WRCO FM, and the Ithaca School District.

Recently, there was an incident at a community fundraising event in Ithaca. A lady suffered a medical emergency. This woman was suffering a stroke, was alone at the event, and needed immediate attention. Members of the Ithaca School District and community stepped up.

Here is the story, as originally written by Adam D. Hess as a news story for The Ithaca School District website news section.

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The Ithaca Community comes through in time of need

Ithaca Schools

February 17, 2026

com·mu·ni·ty

[kəˈmyo͞onədē]

noun

A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF MANY

We always say Ithaca is a community, caring and looking out for one another. Every once in a while, an act by members of this community truly shows the world that we don’t just say we are a community, but SHOWS we are.

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDLY

Recently, during a pancake fundraiser supper at the Willow Valley United Methodist Church in Ithaca Staff member Brooke and Ithaca Students Madison and Elise were enjoying the food and camaraderie that comes along with a community gathering. A lady Brooke knows stopped by where Brooke was seated to say hello. After a few moments, Brooke found the behavior of the lady as a bit off the norm but didn’t think too much about it. By the end of the conversation, the lady simply grabbed and gave a squeeze to Brooke’s arm and headed for the door. She struggled a bit with getting the door open, but since she was at the event alone, she continued to attempt to open the door for herself and finally was able to leave the church.

JUMPS INTO THAT ACTION

Brooke was bothered by what she witnessed, bothered enough to have students Madison and Elise go out and check on the lady. The two found the woman, leaning against her car and in apparent trouble and so they went back into the church to report their findings.  Brooke then went outside and located the lady standing by her car, leaning heavily onto the car, grasping it to maintain balance with a single arm. The lady was unable to speak or move to any degree. Brooke knew she had to act fast.

FAST ACTIONS SAVE LIVES

Brooke engaged the lady, attempting to have her focus on her voice, while placing a call to Madison and Elise, still located within the church. Madison and Elise responded as responsible community members do. They retrieved a chair and the three guided the stricken individual into the chair, to eliminate the chance of falling. Elise went back into the church and found Sherry and Andy, and they quickly joined the group outside. Brooke continued to monitor, Andy called 9-1-1 on Brooke’s phone and the local EMT’s were on their way.

MANY TO THANK FOR THAT NIGHT

The lady in question had suffered a stroke. She was treated by EMT’s and ultimately transported to a Madison area hospital via MedFlight. Her daughter credited the quick thinking and actions of OUR Ithaca Community with saving the life of her mother, who continues to recover from the stroke. We are a community, and every once in a while, people like Brooke, Madison, Elise, Sherry, Andy, The EMT’s, medical professions and pilots prove that! We are proud of and thankful for the quick actions of everyone involved that night, and special recognition goes out to the Ithaca Community Members and Ithaca School staff and students involved.

Live like a community EVERY day!

Original Ithaca Website News Story.

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