Brighten Your Day

6-Year-Old Saves Mother's Life During Medical Emergency

February 14, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Conover, North Carolina.

In a heartwarming tale of courage and quick thinking, 6-year-old Quinn Hill became an unexpected hero when she took decisive action during a medical emergency that saved her mother's life.

Credit: Jennifer Hill

Jennifer Hill, a 39-year-old mother of three, was at home preparing dinner for Quinn and her younger brother when she suddenly began to seize. The last thing she remembered was sitting in a chair, looking up at the ceiling, and experiencing abnormal breathing. Quinn, realizing the severity of the situation, sprang into action.

Recalling the incident, Jennifer told GMA, "Quinn told me that I actually sat down in the chair that I'm sitting in right now and I looked up at the ceiling and started breathing weird. She said that I then fell out of the chair onto my left side and my fists were clenched, and my body was convulsing. My eyes were open, and she kept saying, 'Mommy, Mommy,' and I would not respond."

Undeterred, Quinn made a spontaneous decision to take her 3-year-old brother and seek help from neighbors.

"This is the first time that they've ever left our home without us," Jennifer explained. "She even told us that she looked both ways before crossing the street. But they went to one neighbor's home and they were not home, and after that, they went to the next home that they knew. And that neighbor was home and responded to the home with the children."

The neighbor promptly called 911, and Jennifer was rushed to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, North Carolina. Doctors determined that she had experienced a grand mal seizure, her first seizure ever.

Mayor Kyle J. Hayman of Conover, North Carolina, recognized Quinn's bravery and declared February 5 as "Quinn Hill Day." The mayor presented the first grader with a certificate of recognition during a city council ceremony last Monday.

Jennifer Hill / ABC News

"This young lady had the wherewithal to recognize the emergency, take her younger brother by the hand, leave her home, and seek help from neighbors she knew and trusted," Mayor Hayman commended Quinn for her quick and composed response.

Jennifer Hill expressed immense pride in her daughter's actions.

"Proud is an understatement, honestly. She's my angel. She's my hero for what she did," she said.

Watch the good news video below.