Boy Helps to Save Grandmother

Child Commended by County Officials

CAMBRIDGE, MD-- Jody Jackson had no idea why he was asked by his parents and relatives to attend the March 17, 2009, session of the Dorchester County Council (Maryland), but he soon found out.

Just over a month earlier, on February 16, the 9-year-old son of Dee and Darren Jackson of East New Market was alone with his grandmother, Violet Jackson, when she became ill. Her left arm and hand became numb, her speech was slurred and she was unable to walk.

Jody immediately called his mother and described Violet's sickness. His mother then called for rescue personnel. Upon their arrival, Jody, in a calm and composed manner, described to the paramedics what had taken place.

The paramedics transported her to the hospital where she was diagnosed as having had a mild stroke.

After Mrs. Jackson recovered, word of the boys actions reached the Dorchester County Council which decided to publicly commend the child.

As Jody and his family attended the March 17 meeting of the council, they had the opportunity to witness the swimming teams of Cambridge-South Dorchester receive commendations for there achievements during the year. After the teams were recognized, Jody was called by Council President Jay Newcomb to come forward.

As his parents and others joined him, Councilman Newcomb read the commendation that said Jody's immediate response and his ability to describe the symptoms to the emergency personnel enabled healthcare workers to rapidly and efficiently diagnose his grandmother's situation, and greatly improved her recovery process.

"Therefore the Dorchester County Council commends and applauds Jody Jackson for his bravery in responding without hesitation," stated Councilman Newcomb as he read the document. The commendation noted Jody as having remained calm and composed while he accurately described the events that took place.

As the reading of the commendation came to an end, the crowd in the council's meeting room gave Jody a standing ovation. Jody also received an official Dorchester County Council pin to wear.

"The hospital said I had two previous strokes," said Violet Jackson, adding,