The American Heart Association introduced the inaugural Nation of Lifesavers Class on June 1, 2026, featuring five compelling stories of sudden cardiac arrest survival and rescue. This initiative, launched during CPR & AED Awareness Week, aims to double the sudden cardiac arrest survival rate by transforming public perception of CPR from a medical skill to a shared human responsibility. According to the Association, 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital die, often because immediate CPR is not performed more than half of the time.
The five survivors and rescuers selected for the one-year term will share their personal stories through traditional and digital media, advocate for public policies that improve the chain of survival, and lead volunteer CPR training opportunities. The stories were chosen from dozens of videos submitted by real survivors and everyday rescuers across the country.
“Nearly 2 out of 3 people believe only those with special training should perform CPR, a mistaken belief that costs lives,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health. “To kick off CPR & AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association is highlighting these powerful stories and working to change the idea of CPR as a medical skill to a shared human responsibility. Everyone should know that the power to save a life is in your hands.”
The 2026 members include Philicia Baugh (49, Charleston, S.C.), who performed chest compressions on a loved one during a family trip; Kristen Walenga (52, Chicago, Ill.), whose children, including her 15-year-old son Eddie who learned CPR in school, saved her life after she collapsed; Matthew Lynch (32, Cinnaminson, N.J.), who performed CPR on an unresponsive driver while stuck in traffic; Edward Marsh (59, Houston, Texas), who collapsed on a dance floor and was revived by strangers and a friend; and Wallis Marsh (59, Houston, Texas), Edward’s twin, who learned CPR after his own heart attack and saved his friend, former NFL player Jeff Tupper.
When someone’s heart stops, immediate CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use can double or triple their chance of survival. Yet less than half of people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest receive help from a bystander. The Association emphasizes that medical credentials are not required to perform CPR; awareness, confidence, and willingness to act are key. The recommended technique is to call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100-120 beats per minute, the tempo of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
The Nation of Lifesavers initiative aims to double the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering bystanders to act. Walgreens is a proud national sponsor. The Association encourages everyone to learn CPR and submit their own CPR story. More information is available at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.