Kids & Family

Good News: Paramedic Saved by Paramedic

Some stories put a smile on your face. Here's our wrap-up from around Northern Suffolk and the East End.

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the touching headlines from the past seven days. 

Terryville EMT Saves Fellow Paramedic’s Life 

It was about 5:30 p.m. on Monday and two Coram ambulance drivers were returning from a trip dropping off a patient to St. Charles Hospital when Bob Peters started to complain of chest pains. The EMT told his partner, Chris Rodriguez, – who was driving at the time – that he needed to go back to the hospital. He then fell unconscious. 

Terryville EMT Kevin Bader was arriving a little early for his 6 p.m. shift when an ambulance arrived carrying the unresponsive Peters pulled up. Apprised of the situation, Bader ran to find Peters already taken out of the ambulance by Rodriguez and on the ground in cardiac arrest. Using just one jolt of a defibrillator, Bader saved Peters’ life. His blood started flowing normally and he regained consciousness immediately. 

Crowdfunding Cash Get Marine Conservation Center Repairs Underway 

The Ernst Marine Conservation Center at West Meadow Creek is getting some much-needed repairs, after more than $10,000 was raised to fund the first phase of restoration. The Indiegogo campaign the Ward Melville Heritage Organization had launched in February raised $3,630, and the Murphy Junior High School student government donated $1,500. Gyrodyne Co. of America had pledged it would match the donations – and with that, the WMHO had raised enough money for the first phase of repairs needed after Hurricane Sandy flooded and battered the building. "Everybody’s stepping up to the plate and helping us, and we really appreciate that," WMHO president Gloria Rocchio said in an interview Monday. "It’s a real community effort." Kings Park Locals Help Disadvantaged Teens Get Prepped for Prom 

Teen girls have enough to worry about when it comes to prom, starting with getting a date, but they shouldn’t have to worry that they can’t afford to look their best on the big night.  Two Kings Park locals, along with the help of project G.L.A.M are working to help every teen girl rock their look on prom night.http://kingspark.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/kings-park-locals-help-disadvantaged-teens-get-red-carpet-ready-for-prom 

Hauppauge High School Ranked Among Nation's Best 

Hauppauge High School Earl achieved a national ranking of No. 363, a state ranking of No. 30 in New York and a No. 4 ranking in Suffolk County among a list of the nation’s “Most Challenging High Schools” published by 

Commack Teen Shares Cancer Battle on YouTube 

“Hi, my name is Donna. I’m 16 and I was just diagnosed with cancer,” a youthful face with short brown hair said to a camera in October 2010. “Welcome to my channel.”    

That was the first video Commack resident Donna Coane posted to YouTube. From that point on, she would document the trials and triumphs of her journey, including more than a year of chemotherapy, losing her hair, having to walk with a cane and other physical and emotional tests. Now, more a year after her last chemotherapy treatment, Donna is in remission and continues to document her life, including her last chemotherapy treatment, going off to college and even becoming the survivorship chair at the Relay for Life event at SUNY New Paltz, where she is currently enjoying her freshman year. 

PHOTOS: Heritage Park Smiley in Full Bloom 
After months of anticipation, the daffodil smiley face at Heritage Park is in full bloom.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here