In a May 14 ceremony at the Goodyear Fire Department, Chuck Kesting was honored with a life-saving award for his part in resuscitating Lew Geller on the tennis court on March 25. While playing tennis, Lew suddenly collapsed on the court and lost consciousness and stopped breathing. Chuck was playing on the same court and rushed to Lew and immediately began CPR which ultimately saved Lew’s life. While teammates rushed to the fitness facility to get the AED (automatic emergency defibrillator), another passerby stopped to help as well. Using the paddles, they resuscitated Lew a second time just as the Goodyear Fire Department arrived on scene. The quick actions of all involved saved Lew’s life. He was rushed to Abrazo West Hospital and made a complete recovery after two stents were implanted.
The Goodyear Fire Department decided to present Chuck with a special plaque honoring his efforts in saving Lew’s life. Several members of the Tennis Club attended as well as officials from GFD and Wally Campbell (PC resident), City of Goodyear Council woman. Several media outlets also were present for interviews with both Chuck and Lew.
One notable coincidence was that just two days prior to Lew’s heart attack on the court, the PebbleCreek Tennis Club had hosted a CPR training session as part of their monthly tennis social. Chuck fortunately had attended that session and was able to save Lew’s life.