Vegas Nurse Saves Woman at Hockey Game, Gains Best Friend

A trip to the bathroom during a hockey game in Las Vegas turned into a life-or-death moment when Jeannie Cunningham, 72, suddenly collapsed between periods at the Golden Knights-Blackhawks game on December 2.

Her friend Linda Fucci watched in horror as Jeannie went from looking tired and flushed to sliding down a stair rail and collapsing unresponsive. Within seconds, a woman sitting just feet away rushed over and started CPR.

Susie Teems, a Las Vegas nurse attending the game with her husband, didn't hesitate when he pointed out someone on the ground. Her training kicked in immediately, and she performed CPR on Jeannie until paramedics arrived. Her quick action got Jeannie breathing again and saved her life.

Jeannie was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and has no memory of the incident. Doctors told her that her active lifestyle likely helped her survive the medical emergency. She later received a defibrillator implant to prevent future cardiac episodes.

In the chaos of the emergency, no one exchanged contact information. Linda desperately wanted to thank the woman who saved her friend's life, so she turned to Facebook. She posted in a Golden Knights fan page, asking if anyone knew the person who helped between sections four and five.

Days later, someone at Susie's book club mentioned the post. Susie realized it was about her and immediately reached out. The two women exchanged numbers and started planning a reunion.

More than six weeks after that frightening night, Jeannie, Linda, and Susie met at a restaurant in downtown Summerlin. Champagne was already poured when Susie walked in. The moment was emotional for everyone, especially Jeannie, who was meeting the woman who saved her life for the first time she could remember.

Sunny's Take

What started as a medical emergency at a sports arena turned into an unexpected friendship that shows how crisis can bring people together in beautiful ways. Susie gave Jeannie a replacement Golden Knights jersey at their reunion since her original had been cut off during the emergency response. Now the three women are planning hiking trips together, turning a terrifying moment into a lasting bond.

The timing of Jeannie's cardiac arrest, while scary, may have been fortunate. It could have happened anywhere at any time, but instead it happened surrounded by people who could help, including a trained nurse ready to act.