Awesome - Teacher Spots Boy Alone On The Road, Then She Realizes He's In Desperate Need Of Help
Elementary School teacher Keller Sutherland hated letting her students down. Whenever a lesson plan didn't connect with students, she drove around in a silent frustration, wondering if she could've better explained multiplication tables or an art project. She cared about her kids, and that's why she immediately stopped when she saw one of her student's wandering alone on the street — and listened while he explained his dire situation!
Hard Day
"When I see myself as a teacher," Ms. Sutherland (below) said, "it just goes so far beyond the classroom." Teaching boiled over into her personal life; it was a job that required more than 40 hours of attention every week. She did anything for her kids.
Down The Highway
Which was why, one day in February 2019, Ms. Sutherland, couldn't wait to be home and rest. Exhausted from a tough day, she was elated when a school faculty meeting was cancelled. She headed home to her husband a little early — and that's when she spotted the concerning sight.
Help Passing By
While driving home, Ms. Sutherland was talking over the phone with her husband (left). "There’s a small child on his bicycle riding down the road," she told him. There was a ton of traffic at the time, but no one was concerned about the kid. Except Ms. Sutherland.
Following the Call
Feeling she needed to help this boy — because being a teacher didn't stop outside her classroom at the end of the school day — she approached the little biker. That's when she realized: she knew this kid!
A Surprise Reunion
The 7-year-old's name was Cameron Simoncic, and he was one of her students! He was frazzled and out of breath, and he immediately tried explaining himself. The story just poured out him.
Just Another Day
For Cameron, it was an ordinary day in Greenville County, South Carolina. He went to school, was taught by his first-grade teacher, Ms. Sutherland, then he headed home on his own.
Latchkey Kid
Cameron was very independent for his age. His parents believed he could make it to school and back home on his own; all he needed was his trusty bike. And they were right: after school that day he did make it home.
A Change At Home
However, when he returned home that day, something was very different: It was rather quiet in the house. He walked through his home to see if anyone else was there, but he came across a terrifying sight.
Dad in Danger
In the kitchen, he screamed at the sight of his father passed out on the ground! Smart kid that he was, Cameron knew all about his father's medical condition and its consequences.
Unable To Help
Even at his young age, Cameron understood that his father was diabetic and suffered from episodes that left him incapacitated. He couldn't treat his father, so he tried calling for help — but he ran into an issue.
Fatal Episode
The clock was ticking for Cameron's father, who was suffering from a diabetic episode of low insulin levels, which can be fatal. Cameron immediately rushed to call 911 on his dad's cell phone, but there was a problem.
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Locked From Help
When Cameron grabbed his father's phone, he found it was locked! He tried to get the password a few times, but he had no luck. The boy couldn't call for help — not over the phone — so he darted out the front door.
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Pedal to the Metal
Cameron ran to his neighbors, but no one was home to help. Without many other options, he grabbed his bike and peddled as fast as he could to reach someone else who could help: his grandma.
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Dangerous Path
Unfortunately, the emergency trip to grandma's was going to be a 5-mile trek that involved crossing a bustling highway. Still, Cameron had to save his dad. As scared as he was, he pushed forward.
The Meeting Evolves
That's when Ms. Sutherland saw him peddling frantically down the busy road. After listening to his story, she helped him calm down. Dialing 911 on her own phone, she assured Cameron everything would be all right. But she couldn't know for sure.
Support for the Hero
Over Ms. Sutherland's phone, Cameron explained the situation perfectly for emergency workers. He told them his home address and about his fathers' diabetes. From there, EMTs rushed to save his father.
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Medical Care
When EMTs arrived, Cameron's dad was given the insulin he needed. He increased his sugar levels by eating crackers that Ms. Sutherland happened to have on her. Slowly, he regained his strength. Word of the heroism made it back to Ellen Woodside Elementary.
Handling the Future
There, administrators implemented lessons for their students on how to handle emergencies, telling students to know their addresses, important phone numbers, and the medical history of their family members. Ms. Sutherland also took the time to honor Cameron's bravery.
New Lessons Learned
"I am still overwhelmed by the amazing strength and determination this child had to do what he was attempting to do," Ms. Sutherland later explained. "Even though he didn't make it to Grandma's, I am incredibly grateful to have passed by him when I did!"
Happy Ending
The ordeal gave Ms. Sutherland a great deal of confidence — saving a life was all in a day's work! Cameron not only has his dad safe and healthy, but he also has the wonderful teacher who was there for him that day. Across the country in Arizona, Elisabeth Milich most certainly would've done the same.
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