Story and photo by Kathryn Schiliro

In conjunction with the filming of ABC television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," the East Georgia chapter of the American Red Cross held 16 hands-only (meaning no mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was involved) CPR classes throughout the week.
The classes were spurred by the fact that, in February, county school bus driver Loretta Berryman was able to resuscitate then 9-year-old Anaiah Rucker after she was hit by a pickup truck, shielding her little sister from the blow.  The "Extreme Makeover" house is meant to benefit Anaiah and her family, and the classes were meant to be a further part of that community involvement.
"We were very happy with the community response," East Georgia American Red Cross Executive Director Jett Taylor said.
Taylor went on to say that he hoped the "ripple effect" would continue. "Anaiah saved her sister; Loretta Berryman saved Anaiah," Taylor said. "We got involved...so they (class participants) could prepare to be the next hero."
If you missed the classes but wanted to attend, visit redcross.org for more opportunities.

Printed in the July 21, 2011 edition