Amber and Kimberly together at the coffee shop
By: Sharonne Hayes
A Series of Small Moments
In July 2025, Kimberly Flowers was running errands when an ordinary day took an unexpected turn.
Nearby, Amber Creighton was loading her young daughter into the car after an Amazon return. The trip had taken longer than expected that day.
Looking back, both women reflect on the series of small decisions that brought them together that day. A delayed shopping trip. One more errand. A different parking spot.
As Amber later put it, "All the small things added up to such a big thing."
Looking up, Amber saw someone on the ground.
At first, she thought Kimberly had fallen. But when she reached her, she quickly realized something was wrong. Kimberly had no pulse.
While another bystander called 911, Amber immediately began CPR.
"You kind of just go into, 'I need to do this,'" Amber recalled.
She continued chest compressions until first responders arrived and could begin advanced care.
A Second Chance
Kimberly has no memory of the event itself. Her next memory is waking up in a hospital bed days later.
Doctors found no blockage and no clear explanation for the sudden cardiac arrest.
What Kimberly does know is that a stranger's willingness to act helped give her another chance at life.
Months later, the two women eventually located one another and met face-to-face for the first time.
"She walked in the door and we hugged and cried," Kimberly said.
Today, Amber and Kimberly are friends who regularly meet for coffee, a lasting reminder of a moment neither will ever forget.
Amber and Kimberly meet regularly for coffee after a lifesaving encounter brought them together in 2025. Here, they reflect on the experience with Charlotte Metro Area Chapter Executive Director Jason Gudzunas.
Paying It Forward
This summer, the American Red Cross honored Amber with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, a Lifesaving Award recognizing individuals whose actions help save or sustain a life during an emergency.
The American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards recognize individuals whose skill, courage and personal action help save or sustain a life. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action honors those who step forward during an emergency and make a meaningful difference when seconds matter most.
Inspired by the experience, Amber is now pursuing certification as a Red Cross CPR instructor, helping others gain the skills and confidence to act when seconds matter most.
Amber Creighton (third, left) received the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action in recognition of her lifesaving response. Kimberly Flowers (middle) joined her for the recognition ceremony.
A Reminder During Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
Their story is a powerful reminder during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and often without warning.
Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.
By learning CPR and how to use an AED, more people can gain the skills and confidence to respond when seconds matter most, helping create safer, more prepared communities.
Learn Lifesaving Skills
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere and often without warning. Knowing CPR and how to use an AED can help you take action when seconds matter most.
The American Red Cross offers CPR, AED and first aid training designed to help build the skills and confidence needed to respond in an emergency.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
