I became a H.E.L.P. instructor to honor the memory of Harper Ellen Peeples and out of respect for her family. Tina Peeples and I were good friends and for me it was a fitting way to pay tribute to the life and legacy of her beautiful Harper Ellen. I had no idea that the training I would receive would reward me with the power to save the life of someone so dear to me.

About 6 months after becoming a Harper’s instructor, I was able to save one of my best friends from chocking. I ran to her, put my arms around her and gave her a thrust. It took four thrusts to expel the object and then she was breathing again. I couldn’t believe that with all the people around her, I was the one who had the confidence and courage to step in and help. That is what the H.E.L.P. training has given me and it is what I emphasize most in the Harper’s classes that I teach.
Harper Ellen clearly had a higher purpose that took her to heaven much earlier than we would have wanted. I am amazed at how the legacy of one little girl can affect so many others and I am grateful to be a part of the H.E.L.P. team.