Sometimes, my heart can stop: NC woman has emotional reunion with hero who saved her life

A woman from Walkertown came face-to-face with her hero when she was reunited with the person who saved her life.

Ashley Davis was at the YMCA in Kernersville when she suffered a seizure last week. A woman who was just steps away happened to be a CPR-certified nurse and jumped in to help.

“I’ve never had someone save my life before,” Davis said. 

As the rain poured outside, so did the nerves in Davis’s heart, waiting for Deja Martin at the Kernersville YMCA.

When Martin walked through the doors, and their eyes met for the first time, no words were needed. Just a long hug.

“Thank you for saving me,” Davis said.

“You’re welcome. Anytime … You look so beautiful,” Martin said. 

Life-Saving Response

When Davis suffered a seizure from her epilepsy in the lobby, every second mattered. Martin’s friend was there and ran to get Martin, who was working out. Within minutes, she was there and started CPR.

“My epilepsy, at times, causes me, when I’m done, to stop breathing, … to have apnea. Sometimes, my heart can stop,” Davis said.

Martin’s quick response may be the reason Davis is still alive.

“It’s required for my job, I’m a nurse. I’ve been a nurse for seven years. I just thank God that I was here,” Martin said. 

That moment not only saved Davis’s life but also gave her a new purpose.

“Because of her, I get to see my kids, I get to walk them down the aisle one day and get their license. I’m just grateful,” she said.

Davis also says she got CPR certified after the medical emergency so that one day, she can save another person’s life in an emergency.