MERCED COUNTY, CA (KMJ) — A second grader at Rivera Elementary School in Merced is being called a hero after he helped save the lives of his mother and newborn sister.
The Merced County School District says on April 11th, 8-year-old Tyson Sanchez saw his mother, who was eight months pregnant, having a seizure due to eclampsia.
Tyson’s mother, Erin Gaeta, managed to use Siri to call her sister but she couldn’t move or communicate clearly. That’s when Tyson jumped in, got on the phone and began describing his mother’s condition and tried to help his mother.
Tyson stayed by his mother’s side until his aunt, Payton McDaniel, arrived to the house and called 911.
Erin was rushed to Mercy Medical Center where she underwent an emergency cesarean section to give birth to her daughter, Scarlett.
MCSD says both mother and baby are now home from the hospital and doing well.
“Tyson is strong, smart, and resilient. He’s been through so much in his life, including three open heart surgeries. It doesn’t surprise me that he was there for me the way I’ve always been there for him,” Erin said in a statement.
She adds that Tyson is an excellent big brother who loves doting on his baby sister, MCSD says.
“We often speak with our students about the importance of being good citizens, having great character, and helping others. Tyson was courageous and calm in a scary situation, and he set an amazing example for his classmates and community. We’re very proud of him and thankful that his mother and sister are doing well,” Principal David Garza said in a statement.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
