McBride honors local direct professionals for lifesaving actions
Congresswomen Sarah McBride visited Rehoboth Beach Feb. 18 to honor two local direct support professionals who saved the life of a visiting nurse during a medical emergency at a community living home.
Anthony Branch and Tykesha Majors, who work as direct support professionals with Chimes Delaware, were on duty at a a residential home for people with disabilities, and responded when a visiting nurse experienced a cardiac event and collapsed during a routine visit Jan. 28. The two called 911 and administered CPR until emergency responders arrived. The visiting nurse is alive today because of Branch and Majors’ actions.
McBride was joined by Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach; Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes; and Son-Dierry Cameus, senior constituent services representative for Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, to present citations and tokens of appreciation recognizing their lifesaving actions.
“One of the blessings of being the elected office is that we get a front-row seat to the helpers that fill our state, and there is no better example of helpers than our [direct support professionals],” said McBride. “They are providing lifesaving and life-empowering support to so many Delawareans, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. But the two individuals here are not only helpers, they are guardian angels, and because of not only your presence, but your quick work, your skill, your willingness to run toward a challenge, to run toward hardship, a life has been saved. It is truly a privilege for all of us to come here to thank you for being those guardian angels, to thank you all for saving lives, and to thank you for helping our state more fully live up to its values.”
Chimes is one of the largest providers in Delaware of residential and community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and co-occurring conditions. The organization supports individuals across the state through programs focused on independence and quality of life.
“This is amazing,” said Branch. “That you all recognize us. This encourages us to be even better people, better servants. We were not expecting this. Actually, we did not want this. But we do really appreciate it.”
