Lakeshore Everyday Heroes Save a Stranger’s Life

Two Ecumen Lakeshore caregivers answered a desperate knock on the door in the middle of the night — and they saved a life.

By Jena Evans, Ecumen Lakeshore Community Relations Manager

A family arrived at Ecumen Lakeshore the other day with treats and a card, eager to express their gratitude. They explained to Receptionist Alayna McCawley that someone at Lakeshore had saved their son’s life. They didn’t know who to thank, but they wanted everyone to know they were immensely grateful.

It took some sleuthing to find out more details. The good deed happened during the wee hours of a recent Saturday morning without much attention.

A disheveled young man banged on Lakeshore’s door, appearing to be in trouble.

Jim Williams, the RN Night Supervisor, and CNA Faith Brown made a quick, instinctive caregiver decision about how to handle the situation. They decided to open the door, comfort him and make him feel safe as they waited for police to arrive.  

He told them he was on his way up the North Shore to die – to “just go to sleep and not wake up.” His bi-polar disorder was getting the best of him, he said. He decided to pull into Lakeshore so he wouldn’t hit another “innocent” vehicle.

Jim and Faith calmly talked with him about getting help.  He agreed that’s what he wanted and needed.

The paramedics and police arrived in about 20 minutes, and the young man was on his way to get mental health services.  As he left, he told Jim and Faith how grateful he was that they had saved his life.

Jim humbly said it was really a team effort – the Ecumen way – and thanked the staff at the Fountains who covered for him and Faith while they dealt with the situation.

“Anyone would have done the same thing,” Jim said.

Thank you, Everyday Heroes Jim Williams and Faith Brown, for living Ecumen’s values and saving a life. Thank you for caring.

Mental Health Awareness Week is October 7 – 13.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline at 800-950-NAMI or visit https://www.nami.org/Find-Support or text “NAMI” to 741741.