In a beautiful testament to community preparedness and human compassion, the City of Eden Prairie recently celebrated a local hero whose quick thinking turned a potential tragedy into a story of hope and survival.

Sundari Saengdara, a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee, was honored at the Eden Prairie City Council meeting on January 6, 2026, for her life-saving actions when her boyfriend, Rory Bakke, suddenly went into cardiac arrest during a pickleball game at Miller Park on September 27, 2025.

What makes this story even more remarkable is the perfect storm of preparation and action that came together that day. The couple had been enjoying a recreational game of pickleball when Bakke collapsed. Without hesitation, Saengdara sprang into action, directing other players to call 911 while coordinating the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) that had been installed at the park just two weeks earlier.

"The timing was truly fortunate," said Fire Chief Scott Gerber, who presented the recognition award alongside Deputy Police Chief Chris Wood. The AED installation was part of an ongoing initiative by the Parks and Recreation Department, funded by the generous Eden Prairie Lions Club.

Bakke, who has since been diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), is now doing much better. His doctors confirmed that the immediate emergency response and the availability of the AED were crucial factors in his survival. Today, he stands as living proof of why community investment in safety equipment matters.

Saengdara humbly accepted the recognition, emphasizing the broader message her experience carries. "It could happen to anyone, anywhere," she reflected. "Spreading awareness is one of the most important parts of this. Getting some recognition reminds us that this is special and not to take it for granted."

The celebration wasn't just about one nurse's heroism—it highlighted the power of community collaboration. Deputy Police Chief Wood emphasized how dispatchers, law enforcement, the fire department, medical professionals, and even bystanders at the park all played vital roles in the successful outcome.

Fire Chief Gerber expressed gratitude to Parks and Recreation Director Amy Markle and her team for prioritizing these life-saving installations. Thanks to continued support from the Eden Prairie Lions Club, which provided an additional $14,000 in October 2025, more AEDs are being placed at Staring Lake Park and Riley Lake Park.

"Our parks and recreation staff, along with the funding from the Eden Prairie Lions, continues to place additional AEDs in parks across the city," Gerber shared with pride. "These efforts enhance patient care throughout our community."

This inspiring story reminds us that preparation meets opportunity in the best possible way when communities invest in safety infrastructure and individuals like Saengdara use their training to serve others. It's a beautiful example of how everyday heroes walk among us, and how collective efforts to prioritize public safety can literally save lives.

As Mayor Ron Case and other city officials stood beside Saengdara and Bakke during the recognition ceremony, the message was clear: when we work together and prepare for emergencies, we create communities where miracles can happen on ordinary days.