YMCA OF GREATER DAYTON REMEMBERS 9/11 & OREGON DISTRICT TRAGEDY WITH FREE CPR CLASSES
By: Jamie Kaun
There are days that I honestly couldn’t tell you what I did the day before. I have four children under 10 years old, including an infant that awakens me several times each night, a deployed husband, and a part-time job among other responsibilities. My story isn’t unique as most of us have busy lives and responsibilities.
And even though I may not always remember life’s daily details, I can tell you exactly where I was and how I felt when I learned about the terrorist attacks on America on Sept. 11, 2001. In my experience, most anyone who is asked (especially those that were at least teenagers or older at that time) can also recall that dark day when nearly 3,000 people were killed and close to 10,000 others were injured.
Following the terrorist attacks, Sept. 11 was officially designated “Patriot’s Day” and a day of National Service and Remembrance. Events honoring those who died and who have been directly impacted by the attacks occur throughout the country, including in the Dayton area. One such event is the sixth annual “Run for the Fallen” 5K at Wright Patterson AFB. In addition to local remembrance events on 9/11, there are five 9/11 memorials in our area that you can visit throughout the year.
Unfortunately, mass casualties have continued throughout the U.S. since 9/11, including a mass shooting in Dayton’s Oregon District on Aug. 4, 2019 that left nine dead and 27 injured in only 32 seconds. In the Oregon District as well as other mass casualty events, one common response in the moment is that bystanders have taken action to help one another to safety and provided first aid.
It’s actions like those that can save lives in emergent situations when minutes make the difference in survival. In remembrance of 9/11 and in response to the recent mass shootings, the Dayton YMCA wants to empower people to assist if they are in such situations by offering free CPR classes.
“Offering free CPR classes is just a small way that we can help the community move forward and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in the Oregon District,” says WHO, TITLE.
Jamie Kaun, mom of four young children, teaches preschool. She survives most days fueled by coffee, visits to the Coffman YMCA and being grateful for life’s blessings. Her husband, Michael, is an 19-year active duty service member in the Air Force.
