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The Save A Life Foundation (SALF), member of U.S. Homeland Security and Affiliate of FEMA/Citizen Corps, will honor Auburn Middle School's Assistant Coach, Jeffery Hart and Auburn police officer, Dewaine Hoagland with the "Tree of Life Award", an award that recognizes and commemorates brave bystander's who attempt to save a life.

Jessica Ball, 22 who assists with coaching the girls basketball team at Auburn Middle School was resuscitated by coach Hart and later defibrillated with an AED by officer Hoagland after losing consciousness during a routine drill practice.  When coach Hart witnessed Ball's collapse and noticed she was not breathing and her lips were blue he immediately began CPR.  He continued with chest compressions until officer, Hoagland arrived with an AED and shocked her, causing her to breath again.

Paramedics later arrived and rushed Ball to St. John's Hospital, where she regained stable consciousness and was shortly released. 

Ball who played softball and basketball in high school and two years of rugby in college was not aware of her abnormal obstructive heart condition that is aggravated by exercise and often leads to death, considering she performed many exerted drills in the past.

Ball's mother, Doris Ball believes that Jessica would not be alive today if it weren't for the prompt life-saving actions of two heroes. 

Coach Hart, who learned CPR at 19, gets re-certified every year through his job with the Illinois Department of Corrections whom in which the Save A Life Foundation trains regularly.

Where:
Auburn Middle School (Award Presentation)
606 North Street.
Springfield, Illinois 62651

When:
9:30 a.m.  – 6:05 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2003 
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.   Wednesday, September 17, 2003 (* Awards Luncheon Ceremony)