On a chilly November afternoon, Mebal Kaanyi was finishing her usual school bus route in Shoreview, Minnesota, when she saw something that stopped her in her tracks: a small child, alone, running into Lake Owasso.
“When I saw him running into the water, I just knew this is the time—I have to get him and save a life,” said Mebal.
Despite not being a swimmer, she was determined to save the boy. After stopping her bus, Mebal ran into the freezing water to rescue the 4-year-old who was struggling to stay afloat. “I did not even think about not knowing how to swim,” said Mebal. “My aim was to save that kid in the water.”
She reached the boy and brought him to safety.
For her actions that day, Mebal received an American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, part of the national Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program. The award recognizes people who step forward in an emergency and perform lifesaving actions.
WCCO Radio host and advocate for children with autism Sheletta Brundidge nominated Mebal for the award. The child Mebal rescued is nonverbal and had become separated from his family only minutes before Mebal spotted him near the lake.
Mebal received the award in front of more than a dozen friends and family on Sept. 5 during The Sheletta Show, broadcast live from the Minnesota State Fair. Listen to the interview and award presentation on the WCCO Radio website.
Know someone whose actions helped save a life, like Mebal? Nominate them for a Red Cross Lifesaving Award at LifesavingAwards.org.
You never know when a family member, friend or someone in your community may need your help. Red Cross training can help you build the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency, from first aid and CPR to water safety. Find a class at RedCross.org/TakeAClass.
